Tips for Improving Performance Evaluations

Preparation is key to getting a raise or a promotion, according to Kevin Quinley, founder and principal of Quinley Risk Associates. In a podcast interview with Claims Journal, he explains why it’s important to prepare for performance evaluations, the value in collecting evidence of accomplishments as well as how to position oneself for a raise or promotion.

Preparing in advance of a performance evaluation is very important because it’s one of the most important meetings of the year, said the 38 year industry veteran.

He recommended an adjuster begin preparing for a performance evaluation as soon as the last one has been completed.

“…You can’t start too early,” said Quinley. “Do not view it as something that you do a few days before or even a month before your last performance review.”

He suggested reviewing goals and accomplishments monthly.

Quinley offered tips on what accomplishments to document. First, he suggested keeping a digital or paper file to compile the documentation.

“The best time to gather your thoughts on specific ways that you’ve helped the company is now, when they occur,” the claims consultant said. “Make it a regular and recurring task to review and capture what you’ve done recently to help your claims unit save money, improve claim quality, boost customer service or expand your skill sets.”

He provided four examples of what to track:

1. Any changes to workflow developed by the adjuster;
2. Any claims forms created by the adjuster;
3. Any time an adjuster organized a meeting between internal or external stakeholders;
4. Any time an adjuster led an in-house training session.

In addition, adjusters should consider tracking team efforts, positive feedback from coworkers and even from claimants and insureds.

While tracking performance evaluation goals monthly may seem daunting to adjusters with large claim loads, it has multiple benefits. Tracking accomplishments can be used to assist in job changes.

“Let’s face it. Most claims people, most adjusters…will end up, in their careers, working for multiple companies, during their careers,” Quinley said. “Job mobility is the norm, nowadays… When and if you leave your current job, keeping this kind of documentation can really help. It can help in updating your resume. It can help point to specific projects and accomplishments and can assist you in preparing for job interviews.”

Continuing education is another area to emphasize, said Quinley.

“I think you should add to this folder, electronic or hard copy, brochures or a notation on any and all education events. It could be a seminar, courses, workshops, webinars. Things that you’ve attended or spent time on throughout the year on honing and building your skills,” he said.

Building a record of tanglible evidence of value to the company and the claims department is vital to moving up the corporate ladder, said Quinley.

Listen to the podcast in its entirety to find out what Quinley recommends when an adjuster’s case for a promotion or raise falls flat and the ‘smart questions’ adjusters should prepare for prior to a performance evaluation.