| Ethics: Professional Fundamentals | |||
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Professionalism Producer Behavior A professional producer's conduct in all matters should reflect credit upon themselves and the profession. The concept of professionalism, as defined in the fields of law and medicine, has always required that the client's interests come first. The best insurance agents have long believed the same, the question being which product will serve the client's interest(s) best. Formally, professional refers to following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain. It is pertaining or appropriate to a professional. A professional is engaged in one of the learned profession. A professional is a person who makes a business of an occupation, practice of an art or sport in which amateurs engage for amusement or recreation. There is an old phrase that states 'one plus one equals three'. In regard to this discussion, this suggests in a unique way the underlying philosophy that when one agent works hand in hand with another agent to the greater advantage of a client, the client benefits far greater than what they would have through merely the individual service from each agent alone. This working together in harmony has also been referred to as 'synergy'. This is a prime example of a professional approach where the client's best interests far outweigh the individual needs of the provider of services. Peoples' financial needs, desires, and goals are the most important and far-reaching part of their lives. Because of the critical nature and importance of the professional services that financial professionals provide, there are even greater responsibilities to be shouldered to make sure the professionals behave with dignity and courtesy to all of the people who rely on them and use their services. Win-Win In addition, the more we all work together as individuals with the common purpose of delivering exemplary professionalism, the more we all win; especially in the hearts and minds of those in the public who want and need this high level of professionalism in regard to their financial affairs. And, the more we recognize the effect we have as part of the larger group of dedicated professionals, fellow professionals, and others in related professions, the more we enhance this positive public presence to the benefit of all. Together, we as individual financial professionals have an obligation as well as the opportunity to create widespread demand not only for our services, but what we can provide to the ever-increasing numbers of people in the broader marketplace. High quality agents recognize this and see it as a beacon for those who want to be part of the vision that can be realized through the combined efforts of the larger body of today's ethical professionals. This mutually beneficial focus on maintaining a high degree of professionalism is not always easy and should not be taken lightly. There are many parts to this puzzle and it is good for us to continually explore this vital area rather than just espousing the theory and philosophy. Many of the fundamentals of ethics speak to specific areas of professionalism that we must be aware of and follow in order to act on and continue to make the vision a reality. |
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Not only are policy forms, clauses, rules and court decisions constantly changing, but forms vary from company to company and state to state. This material is intended as a general guideline and might not apply to a specific situation. The authors, LunchTimeCE, Inc., CEfreedom, and InsuranceEthics101.com, and any organization for whom this course is administered will have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of information contained in this course.
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