CHAMPION CHAT
Joseph Walsh
Sales Coaching, Training and Consulting for the Voluntary Benefits Industry| Keynote Speaker| Building Sales Culture| Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach, Speaker and Trainer|Referral Generation and Prospecting Coach
Leadership
Happy Thursday Voluntary Benefit Leaders!
This week I am choosing to write about a term or word that in my lifetime has become ambiguous...Leadership!
As a child I was taught that leaders were Presidents, kings, general, military leaders, coaches, the rich and other pie in the sky positions. Folks, all of us in our current station in life, current career, current situation can be leaders. Afterall, what is a leader? A leader in my opinion is someone who exercises their ability to influence and guide others to reach or achieve a common goal. Leadership combines influence, organizing, learning a set of practices, interacting with others and positively persuading people to coalesce behind an idea, concept or goal. One of my mentors, John Maxwell espouses 360 degree leadership. This is a concept where you as an agent or manager draw those around you regardless of position together to accomplish goals within an organization. This means anyone can be a leader at any position, place or level in a team.
Those of you who know me that for my first 20 years of my insurance career I chose to be an agent. However, during that time I was a leader. You see I used my success as an MDRT producer, top agent and the awards I attained to draw others together for their betterment and the betterment of the insurance company I was affiliated with. So let's take a look at how that can be accomplished by anyone and everyone!
The Importance of Everyone Being a Leader in a Voluntary Benefit Organization
In a voluntary benefit organization, leadership is often seen as the domain of a select few—those at the top of the hierarchy or with formal titles. However, to truly thrive, these organizations need leadership at every level. When everyone steps up as a leader, not only does the organization grow, but so do the individuals within it.
Here’s why everyone in a voluntary benefit organization should embrace leadership:
1. Shared Responsibility Increases Engagement
When leadership is distributed, it creates a sense of ownership among team members. Agents, manager and support staff who feel like their voices are heard and their ideas matter are more likely to stay engaged. Voluntary benefit organizations, which often rely on strong team dynamics to execute programs and services, need that level of commitment to succeed. By encouraging leadership at all levels, team members take on a proactive role, contributing to the organization’s success.
2. Empowered Teams Drive Innovation
Innovation doesn’t just come from the top—it can and should come from every corner of an organization. Encouraging a culture where everyone leads allows team members to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the table. In the fast-changing world of voluntary benefits, being innovative is crucial for adapting to new trends and meeting the diverse needs of clients. Leadership fosters creativity, and a team full of leaders can transform challenges into opportunities.
Recommended by LinkedIn
3. Better Communication and Collaboration
Leadership skills naturally enhance communication. When each person sees themselves as a leader, it reduces barriers between staffs, roles, and teams. People become more willing to share insights, ask for help, and work together to solve problems. This collaborative spirit is essential in voluntary benefit organizations, where the coordination of resources as well as services can directly affect client outcomes.
4. Development of New Leaders
When everyone is encouraged to lead, you’re not just benefiting the organization today—you’re also cultivating the leaders of tomorrow. In voluntary benefit organizations, career growth can be less linear compared to more traditional corporate environments. By empowering individuals to lead in their current roles, you’re preparing them for future leadership positions, ensuring that the organization has a strong pipeline of talent ready to take on greater responsibilities.
5. Increased Client Trust and Satisfaction
Clients of voluntary benefit organizations rely on the expertise and dedication of the teams that support them. When everyone in the organization embodies leadership qualities, clients notice. Whether it’s through more responsive communication, innovative solutions, or simply showing a genuine care for their needs, clients are more likely to trust and feel satisfied with an organization where leadership is widespread. They know they’re in good hands, not just with a few key players, but with everyone on the team.
6. Resilience in Times of Change
Voluntary benefit organizations, like any business, face periods of change—whether due to economic shifts, regulatory updates, or evolving client needs. When leadership is concentrated in a few individuals, the organization can become fragile in times of change. But when leadership is a shared value, the organization becomes more resilient. Everyone is equipped to navigate challenges, pivot when necessary, and keep the organization moving forward.
Actionable Steps to Foster Leadership Across Your Organization:
Final Thoughts
In a voluntary benefit organization, leadership is everyone’s responsibility. By encouraging each team member to take ownership, lead with confidence, and contribute to the organization's vision, you create a stronger, more adaptable, and client-focused team. Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about action, and when everyone leads, the organization thrives.
There is a distinct difference between exhibiting leadership and managing a team. These skills are both necessary for organizational leaders but most people have difficulty knowing when to lead versus when to manage. If you and your organization need this I can help. It all starts with a conversation....so click on my Calendly link below and let's begin that conversation:
Remember to Be A Champion In Everything You Do!