Practice management: Lighten up

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During this global economic crisis, simplifying our work activity is the key to success. When we get rid of unprofitable burdens and organise, we can focus on more important things.

Wednesday, September 23rd 2009, 5:00AM

We live in a world with an overwhelming volume of information. My cabinet and desk drawer used to be full of information. I had a long list of favorites in my computer with lots of newsletters and lots of files that I thought one day would become necessary.

As a saver of information, I spent too much time looking for what I must have saved somewhere. If I couldn't find it quickly, I was bothered throughout the day and my performance suffered. Finally, I realised that my frustration had a negative power and restrained me from moving forward.

One day, I decided to throw away everything except for the most important things.

I developed a worksheet to crystallise my thoughts using these questions:

• What? What is important to my life?
• Why?  When the world is confusing, I need to know in which direction I am heading.
• When? When do I start?
• Where? Where is my market?
• Who? Who am I?
• How? How do I want my future to be? What should I keep and what needs to be added?
• Hot? Is it something I am enthusiastic about?
• How much will it cost me? Is this something to invest in?

It took me days to get rid of all the junk I had saved over the years. But after a week, I could once again clearly see my goals and purpose. I also found I could concentrate more and my performance improved.

Successful insurance professionals have a routine activity to follow in order to be successful. The first step is to determine your routine and then focus on that only. Get rid of unnecessary stuff and lighten up.

Clean up your desk
Get rid of the paper and documents piled up on the desk. A messy environment will only bring messy thoughts. Confusion creates negative power.

Eliminate e-mail
Get rid of old e-mail in the inbox. Once a week, I delete unimportant messages.

Pass on unqualified clients
Give unqualified clients to your staff or new agents in your office. They will be happy to serve them. 

Focus on the important work
Every morning, I review my schedule for the day and find as many tasks as possible to delegate to my assistant. 

More is not necessarily better
Be selective. Think of what is most important to you. Focus on what you value. Do the things that are good for you, your family, your community and the world.

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Kenichi Ibuki is a 15-year MDRT member from Nagoya, Japan, with nine Court of the Table and three Top of the Table qualifications. An active volunteer on MDRT's committees and task forces, Ibuki currently serves as the 2009 Chair of the Sales and Service Committee. He served as Chair of the task force overseeing the 2008 MDRT Experience in Japan, and is a past chair of MDRT Japan.

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