Perhaps the best way to make progress is to ask questions. A few years ago, I gave a presentation at the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo on the importance of asking questions before trying to come up with improvements or innovations. Of course, you also need to decide who will provide answers. Customers are a great source of answers, as are team members who directly provide services to those customers. So are experts in the business. However, while asking questions of each audience, remember they may tell you what they want, rather than what they need.

Early in the year is the right time to consider the important questions about employee benefits we should be asking. That's the only way our organizations will make progress on the most important items during the year. Here are a few from my list. Think about them and add your own. Decide what is most crucial for your customers and then start realizing your opportunities.