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ShermaninCO
USA
40 Posts |
 Posted - 02/08/2003 : 11:18:39
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There is a lot of discussion out there about newbees not being capable of doing the job. But, there also seems to be a lack of experienced people willing to mentor a newbee so they can become capable.
I understand part of this is because of mother nature not being very supportive of our industry.
My question is, how is someone that did not pop out of the womb as an experienced adjuster suppose to gain the hands on knowledge that it takes to become a good adjuster?
I know that there are a lot of classes out there and I am taking as many of them as quickly as finances allow. But, it has been said here before that book learning does not an adjuster make.
I got hooked the first 'cat'(dealership hail loss) I went out on. It sparked something in my blood. I lurk through the forums and am picking up tips and knowledge here and that is a step up from book learning. I believe that those that were not born adjusters probably had mentors that got them to where they are today. Where are those mentors now?
I know this topic should spark some lively discussion.[}:)] |
Bill Sherman
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2003 : 12:30:48
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Bill, good question, good thread.
First, I don't recall anyone being 'born' an adjuster, other than someone who grew up in a family of adjusters, or their Mom or Dad had that career and brought it to the 'kitchen table' each evening. Those would be the fortunate ones.
I think each aspiring adjuster has to find one or more mentors. I don't think mentors consciously go looking for a person to mentor. I think it is a relationship that naturally develops.
However, I do think mentoring can have a profound affect on an aspiring adjuster. Whatever my claims career has brought me in over 30 years, I know it would have been a tiny fraction of that; if it had not been for the benefits I derived from mentors.
I had two 'conscious' mentors. That is, two people that I slowly but steadily gravitated to after about a month of my starting in claims. They as well, didn't initially grab my shirt tail, but allowed me to frequent their environment, and in time a mentoring relationship developed that lasted over 20 years.
I also had a couple 'subconscious' mentors. People who I would gravitate to, but the relationship did not nurture, in that they didn't recognize their mentoring capabilities. With those, you just watch and listen, and don't get a lot of feedback; but still learn from as they allow you to linger on the sidelines.
In the 'cat claims' world, I would tend to think that mentoring relationships are much more difficult to cultivate and nurture. It's the true independence of the function, that doesn't seem to provide the catalyst or conducive medium for this to more easily develop.
I'm hoping that the 'team adjusting' thread, may in time shed some light or add some insight that is relevant to this thread in mentoring.
I have taken new adjusters, or new loss control inspectors with me many times in the field. At least on half of those occassions, the first trip was the last trip. With all of us being human, our personalities enter into any relationship, that may or may not develop.
I get a warm and selfish good feeling after spending time in the field with someone who clearly shows they care and want to learn, and put the effort in to learn; and show the excitement of the adventure through their inquisitive questions and observations.
From an economic standpoint, due to the relevance of the independent business person outlook we must have, I think Kile's comment regarding his step-dad, who Kile suggested he would pay (maybe in jest) 10% to carry his ladder; bears value in further examining.
I know I can do more field technical work in a good day (on average) with a caring partner. That partner doesn't have to know squat about insurance or construction, but must have the ability to listen, care, have street smarts, and be able to follow instructions. This increased field productivity with a junior 'team member' is still achievable even with good review discussions back in the truck after each site exercise; to discuss the uniqueness and relevance of what was seen and said, and relate all 'goings on' to cause, coverage and cost.
So, how does one consider a mentor / 'mentee' relationship in economic terms? I'm not sure, perhaps others have a view on this. However, if one accepts the premise that there is more productivity achieved by an adjuster accompanied with a junior, and given a standard 65% gross return on any fee schedule, what then is fair for the 'mentee' to receive from the mentor, for field efforts, or other efforts other than field work? This thought is based also on the premise that not many, if any, 'mentees' are prepared to ride along for free at a storm site away from their home; where they must provide their own dollars for lodging and food.
Look forward to other thoughts. |
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ckleisch
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2003 : 12:47:37
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On the subject of mentors I had two when I got into this business. The first was my father who started out as an Adjuster, then became a Supervisor and Manager for USFG before he left the company to go in business for himself as an IA. I rode for years with him and observed the old fashioned techniques like dictating on dictabelts. However, I did learn enough to be hired by a company upon Graduation from college in 1979. After, a initial training session I started to be assigned claims. They were also assigned to an IA whom was highly regarded in the Richmond va area and he worked for a company called RE Pratt. I rode with him on claims met the vendors learned techniques and dos and donts that I use to this day. That kind of mentorship is invaluable to a newby. Asking questions of an experianced Supervisor or co-adjuster is helpful. Tie in to someone that personalities of each can handle. Learning values for property claims then was essential. A good library of forms and continued education a must. Vale or ITT a must.
As to mentoring someone else Id give back what I learned just never been asked to assit another. Guess that was what brought me to forum to begin with was to give a little back like this. |
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ShermaninCO
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2003 : 08:00:30
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Clayton & William;
Thank you for the positive responses. Not what I had expected, considering what the general attitude seems to be towards newbies.
Sorry, I waited so long to respond. I was waiting to see if anyone else would join in with similar or opposing comments.
I think that you both looked back on positive mentoring relationships that you had. I believe if others would do some soul searching they would find those same types of relationships got them to where they are now.
I have been also following the Team Topic with great interest. I think that these two topics could be complimentary.
Clayton as to the financial aspect of the mentoring relationship; I know that I would be willing to leave it up to the mentor. If after a week, they felt that I increased their field productivity and felt comfortable with helping with some of the expenses that would be appreciated but certainly not expected. I believe that anyone serious about becoming an IA would feel the same. I believe that Newt has expressed similar sentiments. I know of at least one instance where the mentee, after their first good assignment gave their mentor and wife a vacation in Mexico as a show of appreciation.
Clayton, I have printed your excellent article on fire investigation. I have just had a chance to skim though it so far but, I will be reading it in the hotel next week in Tulsa.
William, do you prefer William or Bill? I personally prefer Bill but, do not want to assume.
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Bill Sherman
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Newt
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2003 : 08:46:47
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I've been fortunate, I found this site just after finishing courses, got my licenses and a few certifications. That didn't take long because I worked hard at it. After I found this site and got to know who to bug for information, it has been an experience I wont soon forget.
For one thing there are mentors comming out our ears. I figure everyone who has ever adjusted a claim is a mentor. I learn something or try from everyone of them.
My approach is different and as most folks on here have a different idea of how to go about getting into this field. You have to be a good recruit before you can earn your keep as an apprentice.
I never tried anything without first being equipt with the basic knowlege to handle the job. I may be slow at first and it may cost me but it will be right. Quality is my first concern, and speed will come with practice.
This is a great "One Room School House", where those who want to learn, can and do. |
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ckleisch
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2003 : 14:27:11
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| Actually, as i am named after my father who is known in the industry I go by my middle name which is cameron but ill answer to anything lol |
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Mentors wanted
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