Have the Courage to be Disliked

A few days ago, as I was scrolling through my LinkedIn feed, a thought-provoking image caught my eye. It was a simple post, but its message resonated with me deeply.

Have the Courage to Be Disliked.

It made me reflect on our innate desire to be liked by everyone and how this craving for universal approval often permeates various aspects of our lives, including our careers.

In the restoration industry, the pursuit of approval is no different. Many professionals in this field go to great lengths to ensure that their clients and adjusters like them. They fear the disapproval of adjusters, even though these adjusters hold no legal obligations in the transaction between the restoration company and its clients. This fear of disapproval often leads to shortcuts and compromises in the restoration process, putting the most crucial stakeholders at risk – the clients and the employees.

Regardless of external pressure, maintaining honesty, integrity, and the highest industry standards should be the unwavering norm.

The importance of having the courage to stand up for what is right, for your company, your employees, and most importantly, for the customer is crucial. Failing to do so not only jeopardizes health and safety but also tarnishes your reputation.

In business, as in life, maintaining a certain standard is essential. If a company declares honesty and integrity as core values, then those values must be upheld, no matter the circumstances. The restoration industry, like any other, has its standards and protocols in place for a reason – to ensure safety and quality.

When someone attempts to persuade you to deviate from these standards, it raises a fundamental question:

Are honesty and integrity genuinely core values for your company?

It takes courage to stand firm and uphold these values, especially when it might not be the popular choice.

Courage is an essential trait, both in business and in comedy. I recently listened to a podcast featuring comedians John Crist and Matt Rife, where they discussed cancel culture and pushing social boundaries through their comedy. Comedians often navigate a fine line, pushing boundaries to make people laugh while knowing that their content might offend some.

Interestingly, those who are offended by their content are often not the subjects of their humor. It's ironic that those who cry foul and express disapproval are often unrelated to the roastings and jokes. The comedians understand this irony, and it fuels their humor.

When it comes to business processes and procedures, it's worth noting that those who protest the loudest about your invoices or protocols may not be the ones who have to live in the structures you are restoring.

They may have the financial means to afford luxury corporate complexes and celebrity endorsements, like Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid in TV commercials.

The realization that you can't please everyone, nor should you try, is liberating.

Embracing disapproval from the right parties can be a catalyst for positive change in your business and personal life.

The groups that STRIVE to bring catalysts for change (In the words of The All American Rejects: I hope they give you hell)

1. Insurance Adjusters: Using insurance adjusters as an example, it's crucial to prioritize your commitment to safety and quality over their potential disapproval. Remember that they are not the end-users of the restored structures, and their disapproval should not sway you from doing what's right.  We have a free e-book that might help you gain traction in this.   
2. Referral Partners: In many industries, referral partners play a vital role. However, not all referral partners will align with your values and standards. It's okay to prioritize those who share your commitment to excellence and safety.
3. Other Restoration Companies: Collaboration can be beneficial, but not all restoration companies in your market may be willing to cooperate. Instead of compromising your standards to win them over, focus on serving your clients and maintaining your integrity.
4. Vendors: Your relationship with vendors can impact the quality of your services. Choose vendors who align with your values and standards, even if it means losing favor with others.  
5. Your Own Employees: Setting systems and processes in place will help you prioritize what matters to your employees identity within your company.  This will keep the standards high, and the output of each individual validated. 

In a world where the quest for universal approval can be all-consuming, it's essential to step back and reevaluate our priorities. Whether in business or comedy, there will always be those who disapprove, often for reasons unrelated to the core issue.

Embracing disapproval from the right parties allows you to refocus your time and energy on what truly matters – maintaining honesty, integrity, and industry standards.

So, have the courage to stand up for yourself, your company, your employees, and your customers. Uphold the standard, even if it means being disliked by some. In the end, your commitment to excellence will speak volumes, and the right people will recognize and appreciate it.