The trial venue move to Creekside Inn in San Jose was met with mixed reviews at the May 16, 2008 CCCA luncheon meeting. The initial air of excitement about the move were tempered by the crowded feel of the room itself. A large crowd turned out to hear Dan'l Adams, of Liberty Mutual, address time management skills, particularly for claims professionals.
Before even getting to establishing a daily routine, Mr. Adams encouraged all to take into account what time of day is their own most active and alert period, whether morning, mid-day, or night. He stated that he is most effective in the early morning, so he gears his day accordingly.
Making a "to-do" list, while by no means a new idea, he said, is always an effective means to focus the day's tasks at hand. Prioritizing the items on your list, 1-2-3 or A-B-C, is an important step. He said that he finds it most effective to then begin moving through those items not by starting with the most intense number one priority, but by taking on a quick "C" level item first. Most importantly, though, is to find a system that works for you, and practice it.
"It takes 21 days to establish a new habit," he stated. "So, give yourself that time to build a new routine," he encouraged.
Adams, who will be giving a full hour and a half session on Time Management and Customer Service at the 15th annual Claims Conference of N. California in July, touched on the Customer Service issue, as well.
"Sell yourself for credibility," when dealing with new customers, he suggested. Establishing reasonable expectations is important to quality customer service.
"I admit up front that I am human, and will likely make mistakes," he said. "But, that said, I also then assure them that I will do my best to right any wrongs." Dan also said that he tries to give people a general sense of how his time frames work, by letting his customers know how his daily schedule generally goes. "Always allow for a worst-case scenario," he said. "It's reasonable to hedge your bets," he explained. Give yourself time to impress, rather than leaving people hanging, wondering when you're going to get to them.
"So, are you going to manage time?"
There will be no June or July luncheon meetings, in lieu of the annual CCCA Golf Tournament Friday, June 6, 2008, and the CCNC July 24-25, 2008. Luncheon meetings will resume August 21, 2008. Location to be announced. |
