Weekly Blog by Philip King, CEO of the ICM - 'The importance of being individual'

I had the privilege and pleasure of presenting the ICM's Meritorious Service Award to Laurie Beagle earlier this week at one of his forums. For those who don't know, the Institute of Credit Management introduced the Meritorious Service Award in 1982 to recognise people who have made a notable and commendable contribution to national or local Institute activities. Normally, two awards are made each year and the list of recipients includes some well-known and influential figures from across the credit industry.

Laurie is a worthy recipient given that he has been a member of the Institute since 1983 and a Fellow for over 20 years. The credit forums he organises and runs through P&A Receivables play a significant role in building and developing the wider credit community, which is why the ICM is happy to support them, and there are numerous credit professionals who would attest to the help Laurie has given to them in their jobs and professional development.

Reflecting on the award reminds me of how important our individual contributions can be. I often talk and write about the value of good credit management and the importance of professionalism but that professionalism, and the value that accrues from it, comes from individuals and we can all choose whether our contribution and impact on those around us is positive or not. We know the impact of 'one rotten apple' and we will all know people who brighten a room when they enter it, and others who seem to depress the mood by their very presence. This is a bit deep and philosophical for me but I remember being told as a child that I always had a choice as to whether to have a good impact or a negative one.

 

Sometimes we forget the influence we have and those of us who have been around for more years than we care to remember could do worse than remind ourselves of this. I've just resolved to try harder to stay positive and encourage those around me!