Christmas Eve has a approach of slowing us down, whether or not we prefer it or not. The calendar forces a pause. The noise quiets. Even probably the most hard-charging litigators discover themselves, at the least briefly, reflecting on one thing bigger than the subsequent argument, the subsequent temporary, or making an attempt to win the subsequent case.
In that spirit, I wish to do one thing somewhat completely different. I wish to categorical real appreciation for a few of the individuals I debate with, disagree with, and sometimes spar towards in court docket and public boards. I’m going to make use of good ole Steve Badger as my entry level.
Steve and I come from very completely different views within the insurance coverage world. That isn’t information to anybody who follows us. We disagree on many points about claims dealing with, policyholder rights, and the function insurers ought to play when disaster strikes. We now have debated one another on panels, exchanged pointed commentary, and nobody would mistake us for collaborators regardless of mutual settlement on theoretical ideas.
However right here is the trustworthy fact. Steve exhibits up. He doesn’t cover behind nameless speaking factors or fake the opposite aspect doesn’t exist. He engages. He listens. He responds respectfully. In an trade that too usually talks previous each other or pretends disagreement is an ethical failing, that issues.
I’ve all the time believed {that a} profitable system will depend on sturdy and respectful opposing views. Iron sharpens iron. Good religion debate forces all of us to refine our arguments, test our assumptions, and sometimes admit we’re improper or, at the least, not good in our view. Steve has pressured me to be higher ready, clearer in my pondering, and extra exact in articulating why policyholders deserve equity. For that, I’m genuinely grateful.
We frequently and surprisingly agree on factors. That doesn’t imply I totally agree with him. It doesn’t imply I believe all insurers all the time get it proper. It doesn’t imply I’ll pull punches once I consider policyholders are being handled unjustly. What it does imply is that disagreement doesn’t require dehumanization. You may struggle exhausting for what you consider with out tearing down the individuals who disagree with you. Conviction doesn’t require cruelty to others.
These ideas usually are not simply skilled courtesies. They’re deeply Christian values acceptable for reflection on the night of December 24.
Christ didn’t shrink back from confrontation. He challenged energy, uncovered hypocrisy, and spoke exhausting truths. However he did so whereas reminding us that how we deal with each other issues simply as a lot as what we consider. Loving your neighbor doesn’t imply abandoning your convictions. It means holding them with out shedding your humanity.
As legal professionals, adjusters, insurers, contractors, roofers, insurance coverage brokers, and others within the property insurance coverage claims enterprise, we spend a lot of our lives in battle. That’s the nature of the work. Christmas Eve is a reminder that battle will not be the sum of who we’re. We’re additionally mentors, colleagues, dad and mom, mates, and imperfect individuals making an attempt to do what we consider is true.
So tonight, I elevate a figurative glass to my opponents. To those that problem me, sharpen me, frustrate me, and sometimes make me snicker. To Steve Badger and others like him who’re keen to face within the enviornment relatively than shout from a budget seats. Our debates matter. However so does mutual respect.
Tomorrow, we have a good time the beginning of a trainer who modified the world not by power, however by instance. If we carried even a fraction of his spirit into our skilled disagreements, this insurance coverage claims trade could be higher for it.
Thought For The Day
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be known as youngsters of God.”
—Jesus Christ