Essential Qualities of The Highly Successful Loan Officer

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to find success so easily and others seem to work hard, struggle and can’t get over the hump? Maybe you can relate, maybe not, but I know I once felt this way. That changed when I finally learned what all truly successful people know (that I didn’t) and it all starts with blind spots.  Let me explain...

Identifying Your Blind Spots

Everyone has a weakness. No matter who you are, how old you are, how much experience you have, there is at least one area that causes you trouble, whether you are aware of it or not. These “blind spots” can be anything from making impulsive decisions, seeking acknowledgment from others, or consistently biting off more than you can chew. 

The longer these blind spots go unnoticed, the more difficult it will be for you to carry out your job efficiently. In order to be highly successful, you must be aware of your problem areas and develop strategies to overcome them.

Why identify your blind spots?

Blind spots can hinder your productivity, affect relationships with your colleagues, family and borrowers, and limit your potential.

Imagine an individual who constantly seeks the approval of others. In order to make others happy or to avoid saying “no,” they might tackle projects or loans that will cause them stress and burnout. In this case, the need to please others can have a negative impact on an individual’s personal and professional life. Such blind spots will keep you from being able to conduct business in the most productive way possible.

When you can identify and address your blind spots, you will be able to recognize your negative tendencies and use strategies to combat them.

How to find your blind spots

Although blind spots can cause a lot of damage, they are often difficult to spot. You might find yourself in a tricky situation without even realizing that one of these or several other blind spots are a problem area for you. In order to grow personally and professionally, you must learn to identify and address these problem areas so that they can no longer affect your work.

Two of the most effective ways to find out about your individual blind spots are to practice self-awareness and seek accountability:

Self-awareness

In order to become the best version of yourself, you need to admit to yourself that you might need help in certain areas. If you are under the impression that you have no room for self-improvement, then you are not going to make it very far as a loan officer. As your blind spot causes issues without your knowledge, you are going to prevent yourself from growing and becoming better.

Practice introspection and take the time to think about areas in life or at work where you might be able to improve. If you are looking for ways to better yourself, you will find them and be able to use them to help combat your problem areas. You will also start to identify these areas and learn how you can rise above them.

Accountability

Sometimes just being aware that you might have blind spots is not enough to identify or overcome them. That is why finding a coach or an individual to help you identify these issues is invaluable. Find someone you trust that will support you, hold up a mirror so that you can see your blind spots, help you develop a plan for tackling these blind spots, and hold you accountable as you work toward moving past these areas. This accountability can help you move in a positive direction and will encourage you when you face challenges.

One of the best ways to find accountability is through working with a coach. Coaches can help you improve in areas where you are missing the mark, and they provide the accountability you will need to become a better loan officer.

Think of coaching in the same way you would think about an individual starting to work out at a gym. Someone who hires a personal trainer will have a knowledgeable support system who is able to point out mistakes, promote best practices, and help create personalized goals for someone who is trying to get in shape. Accountability is a huge factor when it comes to physical fitness, and people who have accountability perform better.

Similarly, when you are trying to achieve professional growth, a coach has the leadership and insight to help you find and address your blind spots. People who set specific appointments to meet with a coach or other individual providing accountability increase their chances of success by up to 95%. Coaches create opportunities for self-discovery while helping you get rid of any obstacles standing in the way of your performance.

In order to identify your blind spots and achieve the success you desire as a loan officer, branch manager, or executive you should consider coaching.  Performance Experts has powerful coaching programs to help you in both your business and personal life.

If you want to explore how Coaching can help you be highly successful we'd love to explore that possibility with you. 

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