What has helped me the most is putting a structure in place for running the business.  The structure is something that can grow and adapt as the business changes, so it's something I plan to use over the next thirty years. I had processes and procedures in place for the daily activities but not for the agency itself.  I had systems in place for my team members, but not necessarily for running the agency as a business. The “Five Foundation Stones” are my new roadmap.

State Farm has a terrific training program for new agents.  However, the sections on leadership were too general for me because they were high-level discussions on "getting the job done."  For me, LDP filled in the gaps on HOW to get the job done SPECIFICALLY.  The Mentoring and Monitoring sections have provided formats that I can use for all team members throughout the year.

The Myers-Briggs profiles and class discussions on personality preferences have been extremely helpful for me.  They have helped me in communicating better with people, both at work and at home.  Understanding how different personalities approach problems and process information is very powerful.  Tailoring how I communicate allows me to talk to people instead of at them.  Also, making the connection between the quiet agenda and the business agenda has helped me to clarify my goals.

This is my "track to run on." And having a track means I can't get lost in all of the things that can become distractions.

To other agents:   Go for it!  I think all new agents should consider LDP.  The ‘take-a-ways’ are lessons and skills that can be used throughout your career.  And if you're starting a business, it only makes sense to do it correctly from the start!

Arianne Podojil
 

I am really enjoying LDP very much.  I wish this had been available 15 years earlier.  Please do not hesitate to have anyone who is considering the class to call me.

Randy Couch  

LDP has helped me see the procedures I needed to put in place.  The class has made me stop and really look at the leadership I need to provide for my staff.  It has helped me a great deal to intermingle with other agents and share ideas about what they are doing.  The exchange of ideas has been rejuvenating. 

I can't begin to tell you what this has done for me personally.  I have been dealing with crucial family issues and Dr. Parrott's discussions have helped me put things in perspective and to deal with these issues.  I really feel every agent could benefit from the class and highly recommend they take the time to attend!  It has been time well spent for me.

Suzanne Worrell

The positive changes in the daily operation in my office are remarkable. Everyone has a role that is clearly understood and implemented.  We are managing our time and seeing great gains in production.

Looking back at the past 6 months as compared to the first two years and the performance of my team is absolutely amazing.

It scares me to think, what if I had not gotten involved in this great program.  Just to see the excitement and enthusiasm in my team and knowing that the changes are because of my proactive decision to get involved in LDP as a newly contracted agent is priceless.

I recognized that my business was not where I wanted it to be and felt that "I needed some work" to get it there.  LDP has empowered me to new heights of leadership, feelings of competence as a trusted adviser and confidence in myself.

It's the best investment that I have made in my business and I did not have the money to invest!  I am extremely excited about the payoff that I'll be seeing in my business for many years to come.

Dr. Parrott, I can never thank you enough for helping me focus on what keeps me alive!

Deb Insell