Developing the next generation of leaders from within
While most great leaders share certain attributes and inherent traits, even the greatest of leaders study to sharpen and increase their skills throughout their lives. The most effective leaders in history were developed, not born. That is why we’ve built some of the industry’s best Leadership Development Programs and have been recognized for multiple consecutive years as a Training Magazine Top 125 Training company1.
The path to a leadership role in a Guardian firm is clearly mapped out, with continuous growth and development opportunities along the way. Unlike typical “3 Day Training Conferences” that are once-and-done, our programs occur over the course of several months to a year, with coaching and training calls, on-site programs, as well as structured study groups and capstone presentations. Explore our programs to gain a better understanding of the culture of leadership we have built and continue to grow here at Guardian:
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Guardian Leadership Institute (GLI): This program is intended for those who have experienced success as a producer and are considering a role in leadership within their firm. GLI is a yearlong program with monthly coaching calls and several onsite training sessions. The faculty, made up of Guardian experts, firm leaders, and outside speakers, are all specialists in their topics and frontline leaders who are “practicing what they teach” each and every day. During the program, attendees experience what it’s like to have a role in management to explore if a leadership path is the right choice.
“Everybody who graduated to a leadership role from GLI has had a positive impact on our firm, our culture and on their team.” Travis Hart, President, Wealth Strategies2.
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Leading from the Front (LFF): For more experienced managers with a few years in a leadership role, Leading from the Front, in partnership with the General Agents Management Association (GAMA) International3 is a 6-month program that helps managers move beyond the basics of managing and focus on the skills needed to maximize performance, inspire teams, and think more strategically.
“Leading from the Front...it's the major leagues. You gain insights from instructors in a more intimate environment, and the participants in the course are A pluses. You’re learning from people in the same boat—still operating in a training and development mindset, and with a ton of experience doing it in our system.” Michael Maresca, General Agent, National Financial Network4.
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Next Generation Masters: This year-long coaching program, with courses recognized for credit at The American College for certain designations, is intended for established field leaders looking to move further along the leadership path within their firm. With only a handful of in-person sessions, this program concentrates on developing and honing leadership skills specific to each participant through individual coaching sessions. The program is built around individual participants, as well as the group.
“Next Generation Masters provided us with a new perspective on leadership, gaining a better understanding of how firm leaders think, make decisions, and interact with their teams and colleagues. We were able to grow as leaders, and build new relationships with our peers that allowed us to seek advice and support from the outside as we continued to grow in our careers and firms.” Amy Salo, Managing Partner, Forest Hills Financial Group5.
Through these programs, and more, Guardian firms solidify and build a culture of developing leadership from within and creating a legacy of future leaders who will continue to build that culture.
Though there are specific benchmarks and accomplishments that are required before entering one of these programs, participation is open to anyone looking for development and a new challenge in their career. Whether you are new to the business, or have 20 years’ experience, Guardian’s Leadership Development Programs and opportunities will provide you with the training, knowledge and opportunity to take your career where you want.