The Independent Agent

Slow to Hire, Fast to Fire.

Beverage of Choice: Bulleit on the Rocks

Part 1: Strong leadership is required when it comes to challenging conversations with employees.

Part 2: What options do employees have when the office decor is less than desirable

In this episode, Justin & Jordan chat about creating employee accountability when it comes to declining performance and provide numerous suggestions on giving new life to a tired office space.

When Management Doesn't Pay You The Agreed Upon Bonus

Beverage of Choice: Corona

Part 1: What is the right approach when agency leadership tries to back out on paying a bonus?

Part 2: How do you get all departments working together when cross-selling is part of your growth and retention strategy?

In this episode, Justin & Jordan discuss the why and how an employee can address issues with agency leadership when a bonus is retracted as well as how consistent leadership and data play an important role in a cross-selling initiative.

Industry Consolidation - What Are Best Practices for Team Building During M&A?

Cocktails: Justin tries a Bootleg

Part 1: How do you keep things friendly when tensions run high during an acquisition

Part 2: What do you do when one employee is creating a stressful work environment for the entire office?

The Office Newbie Is Forced to Take the Meetings with Carrier Marketing Reps

Cocktails: Justin tries a Mojito

Part 1: The low person on the totem pole is stuck meeting with carrier marketing reps and wants some help

Part 2: Agency management doesn't want to pay for employee development, but expects the employee to report on their findings from conferences

Death By Meetings

Cocktails: Justin tries a Skinny Jalapeno Margarita

Part 1: An employee wants to know what to do when a co-worker confides in them about unethical behavior

Part 2: How do you get leadership to operate meetings in a constructive manner?

How Do You Address Issues Around Sexism and Gender Discrimination in Your Organization?

Cocktails: Justin tries a White Russian

Part 1: An HR Manager inquires about addressing a unprofessional commentary from an agent.

Part 2: How should a manager handle wage gap issues between male and female employees?

What Was the Biggest Mistake You Made in Your Career?

Cocktails: Justin tries a Snakebite

Part 1: A employee wants to know how to combat rumors an gossip that have turned the office into one giant game of survivor

Part 2: What is the biggest mistake you made in your insurance career, and what was the fallout?

How Much Financial Transparency Should There Be Between Agency Principals and Employees?

Cocktails: Justin tries a Manhattan

Part 1: An employee is upset that the agency owner avoids sharing financials so they don't have to justify raises or bonuses.

Part 2: How much access to financial information do you give your bookkeeper?

Should My Son Work Elsewhere Before Coming into Our Family Agency?

Cocktails: Justin tries a Negroni

Part 1: A parent wants to know if they should send their son to another agency to learn prior to joining the family agency.

Part 2: The younger and older generation of a family agency can't see eye to eye - should they split up?

How Do I Maximize My First 12 Months in the Insurance Industry?

Cocktails: Justin tries a Paloma

Part 1: An employee received an opportunity outside of the industry, but wants to know how easy it would be to come back if it doesn't work out.

Part 2: A new hire wants to know the best steps to success in their first 12 months.