Around 200 independent insurance adjusters for E. A. Renfroe gathered in Savannah, Georgia, for their annual meetings. One of the major aspects of this annual meeting was a custom classroom session in Savannah, GA. One of the main concerns of the meeting was the topic of diversity and inclusion. The meeting kicked off with a keynote address on the subject. The keynote focused not only on defining the topic but also on practical ways to integrate diversity and inclusion into individuals’ daily routines.
E.A. Renfroe provides insurance claims services through a nationwide network of independent adjusters. Their team responds to a variety of property damage claims following natural disasters. The company is known for its responsive service and ongoing training that emphasizes both technical expertise and professional development.
The acronym “RESPECT” was used to offer practical ideas for being inclusive in the diverse culture we live in. As adjusters go about their work, they encounter various situations and a wide variety of individuals. To meet each person and situation with an attitude of respect is of the utmost importance. Respect begins with the “realization” that each person is in charge of themselves. So As I approach a door or situation, I am in control of myself. That means I have choices to make on how I will act in any given situation.
E.A. Renfroe Adjusters Attend Custom Classroom Session in Savannah, Georgia
The first choice I have to make is to act with “empathy” toward the person, or persons, I encounter. That means doing my best to relate to and understand their particular situation. To act with empathy, I must also be “self-aware”. To be self-aware means recognizing that my personal history, experience, previous choices, heredity, environment, etc., play into how I relate to the situations. I must understand the personal filters that everything I do and see goes through. These filters determine how I interpret, understand, and react in any given situation. So I need to be self-aware of those filters and not let them lead me in an incorrect direction.
Self-awareness then leads me to be patient, patient first with myself and then with the situation. I see things through my personal filters, so I must be patient with myself to understand and correct those filters. Then I must be patient with the situation so that I can respond correctly, not just react according to inclinations.
This guides us to the second “e’ which is engagement. This means being fully engaged with the person at the moment. How can a person do this effectively? By developing good communication and listening skills. This is as easy as making sure you understand the other person, then making sure they understand you. It also means paying attention to what is said and expressed by others before formulating a well-thought-out response.
A Custom Classroom Session Can Be a Great Way to Build a Team Culture.
The “c” stands for “cultural sensitivity”. Other people have different filters, so be aware and sensitive to what they might be. Try to understand how they have been influenced and recognize there filters may be very different than your own. Not that one is right and the other wrong, just that different people have different filters. Seek to see the situation from their perspective, through their filters. And then “think positively”.
When entering a situation with respect in place, you can move toward a situation where a positive outcome can come to pass. In fact, plan on it by being positive from the very beginning. Don’t wait until the door opens to be positive. Be positive when preparing. See every situation and circumstance as an opportunity to be the best person you can be; be the best influence you can be, and make the biggest positive difference that can be made.
E.A. Renfroe’s decision to make diversity and inclusion a topic of importance in their meetings was a good, timely choice. Their adjusters can embrace the world they face with dignity and respect.
Looking to reinforce diversity and communication at your next team meeting? Book a Custom Classroom Session in Savannah, GA, today or one of our other seminars!