Change management encompasses "preparing and supporting employees, establishing the necessary steps for change, and monitoring pre- and post-change activities to ensure successful implementation," as defined by quality education organization ASQ. In the independent agent channel of the insurance industry, change is a must to heighten competitiveness, set strategic direction and fix tactical problems. Change is and must be part of the plan. It must not be made out to be scary by leaders. It's up to leaders to help make change happen, and to develop themselves in the process. The slideshow above provides a look at four change management issues facing the IA channel today. It's imperative that independent agents take advantage of resources — especially in-person sharing and learning, now that industry meetings have resumed — to tackle issues like these. Joyce Sigler, CISR, CPIW, CPIA, NcIA, NcAM, NcSA, is assistant vice president of acquisitions and technology at SeibertKeck Insurance Partners is Cleveland, Ohio. She is also chair of the Network of Vertafore Users (NetVU) and will be facilitating discussions at NetVU's new Spark learning event debuting November 13-15, 2022. To reach this contributor, send email to [email protected]. See also:

• Attracting future agents: 5 keys for independent agencies
• Insurance carriers should pivot in 2023 to longer-term reinvention
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