Five steps for managing your practice through volatility

In moments like this, it's helpful to think of the way pilots rely on checklists they have distilled and memorised to effectively pilot through emergency procedures. Missing a step can be the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful flight. A common pilot checklist is GUMPS: Gas, Undercarriage, Mixer, Props, Seat belts. And above all else, fly the airplane, no matter how turbulent it gets.

As an adviser, checklists can help you manage your clients, team, practice and yourself through turbulent times too. Try the following checklist – and I encourage you to share it with your whole team so you are all working smoothly as a crew.

The effective adviser’s market volatility checklist - GUMPS

1. Gather your thoughts: Have a thoughtful and consistent core message for clients to help them focus on what matters most. When fear is at its highest, consistency can instill reassurance and confidence.

2. Understand your clients’ concerns: Reach out to your clients proactively. Consider starting with your retired clients, then those who are approaching retirement, and last, those who have more time before retirement. Ask open-ended questions, listen and empathise. Knowing where they stand on the roller coaster of emotions will help you better predict and manage their biases and prevent decisions that may negatively impact the long-term health of their wealth.

3. Measure your words: When addressing clients’ market-related questions, drop the jargon and resist being too technical. Most will simply want to know: How is this market environment likely to impact my ability to live the rest of my life with dignity? Will I be able to cover my bills? Will I be able to take care of Mum and Dad? What will change for my kids?

4. Protect the plan, review client portfolios: Ensure that clients’ portfolios are still in line with their long-term plans. Portfolio allocations have likely shifted in the recent market volatility. Evaluate if any changes are needed.

5. Stay focused on what you and your team can control: Schedule a 15-minute meeting with your team to focus on each person’s daily next best action: Determine what must be achieved today and what can wait. Encourage your team to be realistic about their goals – and not to forget to also take care of themselves and their families.

The bottom line

In the current environment, your typical workflows may not apply very smoothly. Managing your clients, your team, your business and yourself may require emergency procedures. That’s OK. Focus your team on executing your GUMPS checklist: Gather your thoughts, Understand your clients, Measure your words, Protect the plan, Stay focused.

Neil Rogan, head of wholesale partnerships, Russell Investments