#NIBA2020: Leading ethically through crisis
The 2020 National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) Convention is a virtual event designed specifically to address the dilemmas faced by insurance brokers due to the current pandemic as well as other factors.
Award-winning leadership expert and board adviser, Dr Kirstin Ferguson believes that the legacy of every leader is being written right now as we work through this current crisis.
She said, “We are unlikely to ever see our leaders, and that includes ourselves, tested in this way again during our lifetimes. We will remember those leaders who made us feel safer just as we will remember those leaders who added to our anxiety. We will remember the leaders who checked in to make sure we had everything we needed at our lowest points just as we will remember those leaders who never asked.”
According to her, right now every single one of us is a leader, whether a leader in our homes, our local communities, our businesses or our governments, “Each day we are making decisions about how best we can choose to lead through this crisis. And every decision we make is being watched closely by those we impact.”
The uncertain times we are facing now is a transformative experience for every person and business. Ferguson said, “Even the best leaders are self-aware enough to know there are areas where they are challenged and need to develop.”
“Therefore all leaders have an opportunity, right now, to assess their leadership style through understanding that the ‘new normal’ will not just impact the way we work in the future but also what we expect from our leaders.”
These trying times have not only shown us that individually and collectively we must learn to be more mindful of the impact we’re having on the community. She added, “The most valued leaders around the world during this crisis have been those who have been able to lead decisively and courageously while doing so ethically and compassionately. Sheer intellect has not, and has never been, enough. The smartest people in the room are often not the leaders you would choose to follow into battle and this has been demonstrated in this crisis.”
As we all learn and grow from this crisis Dr Ferguson points out that it is leaders who are ethical, values based and purpose driven who are the leaders we wait to listen to each day. “We trust them to have our best interests at heart whether it is in their decision making about our businesses, our schools or our communities. It is those leaders – and those leadership attributes – we will remember and call upon in the future.”
Dr Ferguson adds that it is not too late for all leaders to seize the opportunity to define what kind of leader they wish to be in the ‘new normal’. “It is a time to acknowledge that this is a challenging time, you have been tested beyond all previous expectations and that you are grateful for the wisdom and support of others. Ask those you lead what they need from you and then listen, really listen. Put yourself in their shoes and help them to feel safe in the new way of working as you lead them into the future.”
You can hear more from Dr Ferguson at the 2020 NIBA Virtual Convention. This online event will be held from Monday, 26 October to Friday, 30 October, providing plenty of opportunity for brokers to learn from and interact with one another.
Dr Ferguson’s virtual session is going to be as interactive as possible so you now have the chance to ask her anything you like about leadership, with the commitment that your question will remain anonymous unless you specify otherwise.
You might have a burning question you would like to ask about your own leadership, the leadership of others or a thorny issue you are tackling as we work virtually. Dr Ferguson will do her best to answer as many questions as she can during the session. Please send your leadership question (no later than 16 October) to her here.
Whether you’re an account manager, principal or young professional, you’ll get to maximise your CPD points and walk away from the 2020 NIBA Virtual Convention equipped with practical tools. Register now to get the early bird rates for the insurance broking event of the year.
More information on the event available here. For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities please contact NIBA’s National Sales Manager, Tony May at: tmay@niba.com.au.