JANUARY 21, 1999 MEETING RECAP
John Creveling on "Career Resource Management"
Reported By: Christina McGarrigle, CPCU

   Sections Liaison Clint Gillespie, CPCU (left) brought us up to date on his work and plans for 1999 while speaker John Creveling, dressed as Patrick Henry, waits in lobby with Chapter Treasurer Rick Lee, CPCU (center).  Then John gave his excellent presentation (right).

On January 21, 1999, attendees of the CPCU Breakfast Meeting had the pleasure of hearing Mr. John P. Creveling of Career Resources Management in Philadelphia discuss change and career management. Mr. Creveling made a dramatic entrance, dressed in historical garb, introducing himself as John "Patrick Henry" Creveling. This provided a segue into his discussion on change. The nature, implications and reactions to change experienced by our forefathers (hence the Patrick Henry costume) differ little from those experienced today.

Mr. Creveling advised the group to prepare for change, and to accept it. One may prepare for change by taking responsibility for and managing his/her career, which will make them more marketable and employable.

In the workplace of yesteryear, change was not as prevalent. Years ago, a career plan involved "climbing the career ladder, keep working, retire gracefully, then collect a pension." In today’s rapidly changing environment, with changes in technology, the global marketplace, consolidations, mergers, and acquisitions, that career plan is no longer viable. Rather, we must become "self-reliant" in our careers.

Becoming "self-reliant" entails having a career plan with direction and focus. Mr. Creveling provided a listing of sixty-seven "Core Competencies" (i.e., creativity, organizing, listening), and asked everyone to choose five which were reflective of each person’s strengths. Then, each table as a group chose three core competencies that they thought were necessary for success in the insurance industry. A comparison of each person’s strengths and skills with those necessary for success in the insurance industry provided insights into potential areas for professional development. The object of this exercise was to "align one’s career plan with the market."

As for professional development, Mr. Creveling said that 70% of executives’ development occurs on the job, 20% through people, and 10% through coursework.

A mentor or coach, from inside or outside of your organization, is instrumental to one’s development. He also advised the group to become "perpetual students," and strive to keep current, such as with industry and technological developments.

In closing, Mr. Creveling encouraged everyone to take responsibility for his/her career. Change is inevitable, but if we learn to respond to it effectively and positively, it may yield new opportunities.

Prior to Mr. Creveling's presentation, Clint Gillespie, CPCU, our Chapter's Personal Lines Section Chairman, addressed the members in attendance.   Clint volunteered to bring Section information to each Breakfast Meeting. On behalf of the Society, Clint will try to encourage interest sections within our Chapter. He advised that there may be additional redesign around the Sections within the Society. Two other member of the Personal Lines Section Board of Directors are Philadelphia Chapter members. They are Charles Butler, CPCU and Kathleen M. Frenzel, CPCU.

Chapter member T.C. McDonnell, CPCU presented his group's top 3 selections of core characteristics for success as managers for an insurance company.