BY ALLISON ROGERS
I was recently on a call with one of our columnists, who comes from a western province. Mid-way through our Zoom meeting, the columnist stopped all three of us on the call to ask us our honest opinions on a delicate matter.
Now, our art director, Yvonne; our staff writer, Max and myself all come from Ontario. All three of us would consider ourselves fairly educated in the happenings of other provinces and territories, though we all know each has its uniquely Canadian clichés…whether they ring true or not.
The columnist admitted that, when Ontario is mentioned, their brain falls victim to typecasting. Ontarians typically think they’re better than the rest, they told our call. They then asked our team what preconceived notions came to mind when their province was mentioned. Surprisingly, all three of us had positive things to say about this province none of us had been to. I don’t think any of us were lying; surely the columnist thought we were.
This all happened in good spirits—no one was actually accusing anyone of being snooty or anything close, but it highlighted a model we often see in relationships between the verticals of the collision repair space. An industry made up of several connecting checkpoints and numerous verticals, wherein thousands of conversations are had every day—where good communication is required in order for the job, deal or the other to go smoothly. It’s integral that every part of the collision repair process works together, without conflict, from the first notice of loss through the repair process and onto the delivery. Yet here we are, often at odds—just as some provinces don’t have the clearest (or kindest) perceptions of the others.
Without any conflict may be a slightly unrealistic request—at least in the interim—but there are certain initiatives that can be done to move our industry toward more open, productive conversation between parties, both on local and national levels. Conversations with your boss, your customers, your colleagues and far beyond. Partake in industry groups—there are dozens online, on Facebook and LinkedIn. Every role in this industry can play a part in fostering connection.
The new year is upon us, and with another flip of the calendar comes another year of anticipated changes; steps forward—especially as Right to Repair continues to process through the House. The year 2023 is going to be what we make it—and, if the energy resembles a fraction of the messages received by this magazine of late, it’s going to be a good one.
