Leader of the Pack

by Jeb Foster

DENVER--InsureMe, a lead generator for the insurance business, took first place in Leadership Excellence magazine's annual survey of leadership development programs.

Leadership Excellence, a monthly magazine covering organizational and executive development, surveyed and rated over 1,000 organizations known for their in-house leadership programs. The results appeared in the magazine's October issue.

InsureMe topped the list in the small to midsize category, which included organizations with 2000 or fewer employees.

"We're thrilled with the win," said Robin Paquette, InsureMe's chief operations officer. "Leadership is one of our core values here at InsureMe, so to be recognized for our leadership development program is a great affirmation that we're not only talking the talk, but also walking the walk."

Other companies that placed in InsureMe's category include Carnival Cruise Lines, The Container Store and Pike Place Fish Market. General Electric won first place in the large business category, followed by Southwest Airlines.

Ken Shelton, the editor and publisher of Leadership Excellence, said the leadership programs were graded on seven criteria, including vision and mission, depth of participation, return on investment, curriculum design and usefulness beyond the workplace, and delivery.

"Great [leadership development] programs benefit all stakeholders, cultivate loyalty and longevity, and inspire service, even sacrifice," said Shelton.

Indeed, Paquette says InsureMe cultivates a "servant leader" philosophy, and holds that "leadership begins with service."

"We've always believed that it is through serving others we reach the truest, most effective form of leadership," he said. "And when we're able to harness the talents of those we serve, that's when business really starts to hum along."