Hire Producers with Confidence

Know When to Cut the Cord: A Guide to Firing Producers

June 19, 2023 – 4 min read

Randy Schwantz in Insurance Agencies

Randy Schwantz in Insurance Agencies

Sometimes you’ve got to pull the plug. Not every producer is a good fit, and the longer you keep someone who’s not contributing, the more you jeopardize your team’s success. So when do you know it’s time to fire a producer? Let’s dig in.

Three Criteria to Evaluate: Can Do, Will Do, Follow Through

Look, it’s not rocket science. Every producer must be evaluated on these three criteria:

If a producer is falling short in any of these areas, it’s a red flag.

Signs It's Time to Invest in Training

If they have the ‘Can Do’ but are missing the ‘Will Do’ or ‘Follow Through,’ maybe training can fix it. Observe carefully. Are they making the same mistakes again? Are they neglecting feedback? If yes, investing in training could be your Hail Mary.

The Right Time to Make That Difficult Decision

Nobody enjoys firing people. But it’s part of the job. If you’ve invested in training, set clear expectations, and still see no improvement, it’s time to cut the cord. Do it respectfully. Straight talk, no bull—let them know where they fell short and wish them well for the future.

Work Ethic: The Underappreciated Pillar of Success

A strong work ethic often gets overshadowed by flashy sales records. But, let me tell you, work ethic is a solid predictor of long-term success. If the producer is lacking here, it’s yet another sign you may need to part ways.

Conclusion

Firing a producer is not a decision to take lightly. But neither is keeping one who’s not up to snuff. Keep an eye on those key criteria—Can Do, Will Do, Follow Through—and use them as your compass. Trust your gut, but back it up with facts. You’re not just making a decision for today; you’re setting the direction for your team’s future.


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How the Wedge Sales Culture Drove New Business Growth

The Wedge Sales Culture is credited as the engine of this growth, and this case study explores how the agency has implemented and benefited from this process.

“Hire Producers with Confidence” Use Our Evidence-Based Interview Process to Eliminate Candidates Who Don’t Have GRIT

With my evidence based interview process you can be sure that your next hire has the GRIT to fight through walls and achieve success selling commercial insurance.

Growing Your Agency Just Got Way Easier

 

Do you want to work with me to grow your agency?

Take 90-seconds to complete this application

to see if you are eligible for a Growth Session.

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