Perspectives

Excellence in Leadership

The baton passes. NAMIC’s 110th Annual Convention is a time to mark the annual change in leadership as one chairman of the board completes his term and another begins a year of service to the membership. We look appreciatively at our departing leader and expectantly to the new chairman who will take up the mantle.

“Excellence in Leadership” has been the theme for Chairman Wayne White during the past year, and we can think of no one who exemplifies that phrase more than Wayne himself. He has traveled the United States an eloquent ambassador, working tirelessly to make a connection with NAMIC members and the insurance industry. In doing so, he has touched many lives and imparted his own guidance on what makes great leadership in a gentle Southern drawl. We owe Wayne and his wife Mary sincere thanks for a job exceedingly well done.

Incoming Chairman Bob Wadsworth will be no less an example of excellent leadership as he prepares to spend the next year in service to the NAMIC membership. It seems that every time the chairmanship of NAMIC changes hands, a leader is waiting to take the welfare of the association into a steady, sure grasp.

NAMIC and, indeed, the mutual insurance industry, have extraordinary experience with great leadership. Exceptional leaders just seem to gravitate to mutual insurance – the fact that our industry has flourished for 253 years isn’t a coincidence.

Recently, NAMIC members were interviewed for this issue of Property/Casualty Insurance magazine and convention videos based on Chairman White’s theme. They were asked for their opinions on what characteristics make an excellent leader. Their responses included terms like “vision,” “strong values,” “integrity,” “good communication,” “inclusiveness,” “servant leadership,” “caring from the heart” and “visionary.” Leaders possess the ability to make tough decisions, be compassionate, do the homework, hold to the vision, lead by example, involve others in the process, recognize trends and plan for succession when the time comes. Great leaders don’t just happen – they work at it!

A review of the histories of NAMIC, its member companies and the mutual insurance industry shows time and again the mettle from which our past leaders were forged. The modern NAMIC leaders providing all of the above definitions recognize the traits because they are all talented, inspired leaders who fit the description exactly.

As NAMIC begins its 111th year – once again under great leadership – we are aware of what an awesome responsibility it is to provide services and representation to such a community. I am reminded of a comment made recently by a new member of the NAMIC staff. I asked if his experience as a senior staff member here was what he expected when he came on board last summer. His response was “No. The work is more important. Members really depend on us to get things done for them.”

Here’s to beginning another year under new leadership and “getting things done” for members. It’s important work!

Charles M. Chamness
President, NAMIC

Posted: Monday, October 17, 2005 12:00:00 AM. Modified: Monday, October 17, 2005 2:53:08 PM.

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We are 1,400 property/casualty insurance companies serving more than 135 million auto, home and business policyholders, with more than $196 billion in premiums accounting for 50 percent of the automobile/homeowners market and 31 percent of the business insurance market. We are the largest and most diverse property/casualty trade association in the country, with regional and local mutual insurance companies on main streets across America joining many of the country’s largest national insurers who also call NAMIC their home. More than 200,000 people are employed by NAMIC members.