A Balancing Act of Victims, Villains, Heroes
O
nce upon a time in a land not so far away, there was a conference that drew hundreds of independent insurance agents and company representatives from all over the land of Kansas and surrounding communities. Once a year in the fall, they gathered to learn the keys to success; not to mention play a round of golf and be entertained by a set of dueling pianos.
BY BETH ROYBAL, KAIA DIRECTOR OF EVENTS
This year, however, something different was in the air. This wasn’t the typical Management Conference of the past. True, the format had evolved over the years, but this year, attendees were dared to challenge themselves in ways they had never experienced and to look deep within in order to become better professionals and people.
Many felt up to the challenge…
The first task set before these noblemen (and women) was the annual golf tournament at Ironhorse Golf Club. The scramble competition was played in some of the most beautiful weather the event had ever seen. Twelve groups of four fought to the bitter end until the foursome of Bob Wood, Lonny Claycamp, Trent Moser and Brian Walker shot a 58 to win by merely one stroke. The group’s prizes were bestowed upon them at the Welcoming Reception later in the evening where other attendees partook in the consumption of various shall we say, adult refreshments. Several Past Presidents attended their annual dinner where Immediate Past President, Mark Lowry was inducted into the prestigious Past Presidents Club. Thursday arrived and with it, many new tasks set before attendees. Before the conference, members were invited to a breakfast with a man simply known as “The Voice” (The Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, Mitch Holthus). To complete the task and attend the breakfast, a donation of $250 toward InsurPAC was required. Ten agents attempted and were successful in their venture.
After breakfast, “The Voice” spoke to a large group of agents and company people and showed them that there were lots of reasons to be afraid – to fear change, fear commitment, fear losing, fear accountability – but it was up to each and every one of us to overcome those fears. He stated, “It is a decision to live a life of impact and courage instead of a life surrounded by fear or indifference. (We must) eradicate the cancer of conformity, of complacency.” “The Voice” gave an example of overcoming fear by showing clips from the movie “The Alamo” – depicting one of the most famous events in American history in 185 Texan soldiers overcame their fears and fought against 3,000 Mexican troops led by the famous tyrant, Santa Ana. Although the battle lasted 13 days and the Texans were defeated easily, the battle at the Alamo lives on as a pivotal moment in the development of The United States. “The Voice” challenged the group to stop being crippled by fear and to “Cross the Line” and make a difference in our world. Don Phin continued with the theme of self-reflection where he dared attendees to classify themselves as “Victims, Villains or Heroes.” Cinematic examples were in high fashion as Don referred to classics such as “Glengarry GlenRoss” and “Boiler Room” for effect. Don stated that the key to avoid falling into a victim, villain or negative hero scenario is to “manage our emotional energy and own 100% of (one’s) self.” The noon hour brought forth a bevy of bountiful foods and
2011 Management Conference gave agency managers tools they need to run a successful business.
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KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER :: November/December 2011