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... What's important is that education offerings are broad. Include product and coverage, insurance operations and workflow, customer service, and technology. Create a curriculum. Find outside experts or willing experienced staff who can bring knowledge and interest to the subject. Involve as many as possible in the teaching and require everyone to participate in the learning. 3. ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO HELP PEOPLE Mike Krzyzewski, long-time winning basketball coach of the Duke Blue Devils, is a master of this concept. In his book, Leading with the Heart, Coach K talks about his team development strategies. One of his techniques is simply to put a talented freshman player's locker next to one of his star senior's lockers. Then, in casual conversation with the Duke senior, the coach says something like You'll make sure this new ... die is cast and before long the seasoned player has taken the new recruit under his wing, not only in basketball, but in other aspects of college life. Like Coach K, the best managers build their team by encouraging coworkers to help coworkers. 4. PROVIDE FEEDBACK EVERY DAY Don't confuse feedback with micromanagement or limit it to comments on specific job performance. Feedback involves a two-way discussion with associates on what's going on with their clients and their companies. Conversations can be held in the parking lot, bathroom, hallways, and lunchroom. By opening discussion, managers learn things they wouldn't know otherwise. A simple How's it going with our new underwriter at XYZ Company? ' or Have you spoken with Joe Smith at ABC Manufacturing recently? ' will give managers an opportunity to listen, ...

...e Krzyzewski, long-time winning basketball coach of the Duke Blue Devils, is a...ecruit under his wing, not only in basketball, but in other aspects of college...