I am what people around me like to call a "Fixer" I see a problem, and I have to find a solution. We can get a bad rap sometimes as a friend or a spouse, because let's face it sometimes the people we love just need someone to listen, they don't always need someone to "fix it". It took me many years of practice and inner self work to realize when to use my
"I can fix that" attitude and when not to.
Insider tip: When speaking with a friend/spouse/coworker about a problem, I will ask them upfront "Are we venting or are we finding a solution?" this helps the natural fixer in me to know what the person I am talking to needs from me in that very moment.
My professional life is a different story, this is where my strength of being a "Fixer" really comes in handy. If you have heard me talk about what I do, some may think I'm in customer service or sales, but that's not what I do. If I could put a simplistic term to what I do, its that I am a "Professional Problem Solver". I look at someone's assets, their career, their exposures, their family and I come up with a personalized plan to make sure that those things that are so very important in their life are properly protected.
And that's not all, I don't come up with a plan then hand them a stack of papers that I understand and they don't.
I solve a problem. I solve the problem that they don't (nor should have to) understand the complexities of insurance. I break down everything into simple, easy to digest terms even for the most complicated or elaborate risks.
Problem: They are buying a new home in a high fire zone with a value higher than most insures will accept. Solution provided.
Problem: They have a son coming of driving age, they are concerned about their risk of having a young driver out on the road. Solution provided.
Problem: Their spouse has passed away and they were the one who always handled all the insurance and bills. Don't worry I am right here. Solution provided.
The list could go on for days.
Ultimately, the value in what I do is not in the price paid for the annual policy. It is for the fact that I will always be here to solve your problem. That's what I do, let me rephrase that, That's what I LOVE to do.
As Mothers, we are in constant problem solving mode. A favorite stuffy is lost, we will know all the places to find it or we have the back up hiding in the closet ready to pull out. A scrapped knee is easily fixed with a band aid and a kiss. Your pre-teen has their first heartbreak, nothing screaming songs in the car and running to the local store to pick up all the chips, candy, ice cream one would need to heal a broken heart.
Mothers are problem solvers! It comes natural to us and we do it with such ease and confidence when with our kids, don't we? So Mama, the next time you get called into that quarter end meeting to talk about how the team can work better, or the next time a client calls you upset, just remember. Its just a lost stuffy or a scraped knee. You have the solution inside of you, cause THATS WHAT YOU DO!
Use that to your advantage in your professional life. You are an expert at finding solutions. Speak up with that idea you had to help improve the workflow in that meeting, ease that upset client with your calm voice and clear plan. This is what you were made for Mama!
8 Steps to solve any problem
Define the problem
Clarify the problem,
Define the goal
Identify the root cause
Develop an action plan
Execute the plan
Evaluate the results
Continuously improve
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