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Young Agent Forum Cultivating leadership Big “I” National’s Young Agent Leadership Institute offers practical training for all levels of experience By Keith B. Riley, AAI “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” This statement by well-known management author Peter Drucker speaks volumes and hits at the heart of the future of independent agents. As an independent insurance agent, I tend to be more of a talker than a writer. That being said, even I know there are certain elements that make a good a story—the Who, What, Where, When and Why of it all. (My English teacher mother would have been so proud.) So, here goes: Who—Young agents—independent insurance agents and brokers 40 years of age or younger or having less than five years’ experience in the industry. What—The inaugural Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (Big “I”) Young Agents Leadership Institute. The event is being hosted by the Big “I” National Young Agents Committee (YAC). Where—Hilton New Orleans Riverside. When—September 8-10, 2006, in conjunction with the Big “I” Executive Committee and National Board of State Directors meetings, and Education Convocation. Why—Reflecting on Drucker’s statement, we have all had numerous opportunities to attend a management seminar or at least have read articles or books on the subject. When the Big “I” National Young Agents Committee began planning this 2006 annual conference, we did not want to deliver just another “management” program. We wanted to offer our members a program that would develop and grow leadership qualities for the future leaders of our industry. And so the Leadership Institute has been designed to meet various needs of our young agent membership. Your National Young Agents Committee has spent a tremendous amount of time planning and scheduling this event. Since there is a long history of the national association offering great annual young agents’ conferences, we are committed to giving attendees another outstanding experience. Countless hours have been spent to design a program that will add value in two key areas. The first is to develop each attendee’s individual leadership skills and help prepare young agents to meet the challenges they face in this industry, today as well as in the future. The second is to offer seminars to help young agent leaders develop a state-specific plan of action to improve their YA committees, thus improving the industry and the strength of the independent agency system. In order to meet the varying needs of each state’s young agent committee, we have divided the agenda into two tracks. One is for attendees with more established young agent programs, and the other is for newer or revitalizing young agents committees. We will have sessions covering the entire spectrum of a successful young agent program. Topics such as membership development, event and project planning, political involvement, and successful communications are all on the agenda. Back to the “who” in a good story—Who should attend the Big “I” National’s Young Agent Leadership Institute? We strongly encourage anyone currently holding a leadership position in his or her state’s young agent committee to attend. However, the conference is not limited to current state leaders. Whether you have future plans in that area or just want to develop your individual leadership skills, you will not be disappointed. And I may have forgotten to mention it, but your National YAC has planned some outstanding networking functions as well, which will ensure that we all have a great time. If that’s not the icing on the cake, I don’t know what is. So take the time to visit www.independentagent.com (the Big “I” Web site) for more details, and commit to your future by joining us at the inaugural Big “I” National’s Young Agents Leadership Institute. On behalf of the Big “I” National YAC, we look forward to seeing you in New Orleans. * The author
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