Description: In the midst of the activity and glitter of Times Square, one group of actuaries devoted an entire SOA meeting one morning to developing their communication knowledge and skills. The workshop titled, “Actuaries can Communicate,” was designed to identify ways to communicate more effectively as an actuary, to develop individual communication competence and to practice communication skills central to the work of an actuary. From The Stepping Stone, April 2005, Issue No. 18.

Description: Humor in the workplace can improve productivity. This article describes a typical office relationship problem and how humor helped disparate teams work together.

Description: The reports you draft, presentations you make, emails you write, posts you put up and texts you send all contribute to your professional image, so make sure that everything you write (and do, wear, or say) sends a consistent, professional image.

Description: The aphorism, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” applies to business communications as well as wardrobe and handshakes. Your image is polished — or tarnished — with everything you write and distribute. From The Stepping Stone, April 2005, Issue No. 18.

Description: Issue introduction and theme of how to improve our technical skills and soft skills to better cope with a rapidly changing world.

Description: This article goes through effective ways to give, and ask for, feedback in real time

Description: This article features a test of your email etiquette that will help you polish your professional image.

Description: This article is about how entrepreneur independent business owners can solve their day-to-day frustrations and problems with a simple and useful process for setting goals and building a plan to meet those goals.

Description: Tips for effective communication globally.

Description: The editor discusses editorial board changes, welcomes new section council members, and mentions highlighted articles in this issue.