A Free Ride?

Recently I was having a conversation with my adult sons and they started to complain about various issues and how someone ought to do something about them. I asked them why they thought someone else should be correcting things that had to do with them and they told me they don’t have time to do it. They went on to say even if they had time they’re not sure how to go about changing things and they weren’t interested in figuring it out. Then these familiar words were uttered, “somebody else will probably do something about it and if they aren’t successful, I guess we will have to deal with it.” So basically you free ride on someone else’s time and commitment and if they’re not successful at least you didn’t waste any personal time on it?

At first I just thought it was their age and that their Mother and I had spoiled them. They usually took the path of least resistance unless they really wanted something and then they would move heaven and earth to get whatever it was they wanted. Based on that I knew they were capable and the problem was a lack of commitment to fixing the problem.

Their attitudes are shared by so many people in the world today. They’re too busy to get involved. It doesn’t really matter because the deck is stacked against you. If someone else gets involved and they’re successful they will benefit right along with them. Why should I invest my time and energy? I’m sure there are plenty more excuses for inactivity and a lack of commitment to trying to make things better.

When I think about our profession I realize there are a significant number of people who feel exactly the same when it comes to getting involved and creating change in our industry. They won’t attend meetings because they don’t have the time. They aren’t interested in being involved in the leadership structure of their association but are some of the first to comment on what is wrong or isn’t getting done. They claim their business is too demanding and they don’t have the time to get involved. The excuses are never ending.

When I really look at the problem it comes down to strength of character and wanting to give back to the industry that has provided you with a living, in many cases a very good living. Do you see yourself as a professional or just running a business? Is it only about making money or do you owe your time and commitment to your chosen profession?

Recently I saw an interview of New York Times bestselling author Jim Wallis. The premise of his book was working for the common good. His book talks about the need to correct the current political and social ills of our country. He suggests that it is imperative that people, especially those who shape public policy, get involved and focus on instituting change that is directed at the common good.

That same premise can be applied to the needs of our industry. There are a wealth of insurance related problems and issues that affect consumers as well as our industry and we need professionals from our industry to step up and offer their assistance in working to solve them. Attend meetings, get involved in discussions and offer your input. Choose an issue that you feel strongly about and volunteer to work on a committee. If your business allows, offer to sit on industry boards and if possible become an officer. At the very least commit the time each year to be involved with legislative activities in Albany and Washington.

Our problems will not solve themselves. We need the input and participation of professionals like you to make sure we are working towards solid solutions that are in the best interests of all concerned. When you’re not involved you are isolated and cut off from what is going on in our industry. Your future and the future of our industry are being determined by others many of whom don’t understand your issues and may not consider them in solutions that are developed.

If you are already actively involved reach out to your friends and associates asking them to get involved. Let them know what you have received by volunteering and being a part of the solution.

Many of the people I speak to who are active tell me that get more out of their participation than they put in. They also are quick to mention the lasting friendships they have developed that have provided them with a network of people they can reach out to for advice and help.

I’ll close my article with a quote from Teddy Roosevelt that I first heard about from the Association Executive in our Georgia association and was later repeated in the closing remarks of our outgoing Chair of the Board, Tom Crowley.

“Every man owes part of his time and money to the business or industry to which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve the conditions within his sphere.”

This quote was part of Roosevelt’s New Nationalism speech of 1910. It was true then and is even truer now. Get involved. Be a part of the solution not part of the problem. You won’t regret it.