Description: metadata for the entire issue

Description: The Stepping Stone issue 60, November 2015

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: Effective communication

Description: Adapted from Chapter 1 of the book "Awake at Work" by Michael Carroll, the article discusses the ongoing dilemma the actuary faces in determining the appropriate amount of effort and analysis to put into a given actuarial assignment being juggled with several competing priorities.

Description: This article gives suggestions for overcoming the design and presentation challenges of the 60-second personal networking or branding pitch.

Description: Based on a decades-long study, honesty is the most important quality in a leader. This article addresses ways to establish trust with their co-workers.

Description: Beyond technical skills, actuaries must be outstanding communicators and influences in order to maintain the critical roles they play within insurance organizations. Early career development is focused on building a strong technical and industry foundation. Once this foundation is in place, however, actuaries must quickly adapt to being submerged in a fast-paced, results-oriented business environment that requires the ability to communicate effectively and, more importantly, influence those around you. This article is intended to educate young actuarial professionals on key business influencing skills that will be beneficial in the near term as well as throughout their careers. The main focus is on influencing peers.

Description: The author, a career counselor, notes that ‘during your career, career search, home life, etc., you will often be faced with a plethora of possible actions and requests far beyond what you can, should or are currently willing to handle.’ The author goes on to provide advice in the art of saying no, in a positive manner that will help you achieve your goals. From ‘The Stepping Stone’ issue number 43.

Description: This article describes the positive effects associated with using one's own name when engaged in self-talk. Research reveals that It frees speakers from their fears and makes them wiser about themselves, similar to how they are about others.