Description: This article describes how we can choose to accept our setbacks in life and in our careers, or challenge ourselves to push through them.

Description: An introduction to a new benefit for members of the Management and Professional Development section - getAbstract, a service that summarizes important business-related books. Includes how to access this benefit as well as what it is and why actuaries would be interested.

Description: A look at the "The Power of Nice" by Ron Shapiro and how we can learn some important lessons from his work.

Description: This article discusses how your leadership style should vary depending on the person you are leading, the situation and goal. 4 syles of leadership are discussed.

Description: In this article, corporate culture expert, S. Chris Edmonds, is interviewed. Chris is an author, speaker and consultant on creating corporate cultures that are based on values alignment and high performance. In addition to sharing Chris' expertise with the actuarial community, the goal of this article is to also get actuaries to think about their leadership beyond the confines of technical expertise and leading a team.

Description: This article is about the requirement of leadership and effective business development in the insurance industry.

Description: “It’s Not About You” encourages the reader to take a broad perspective with respect to career advancement opportunities and to have an appropriate elevator pitch for all seasons. It suggests that anyone can develop the superior communication skills and strong presence required to deliver the most effective elevator pitch. It talks about the importance of focusing on the other person--their needs and the way they make decisions, rather than the speaker’s skills and experience. Finally, it recommends appealing to both emotion and logic, taking into consideration how the other person is more likely to make decisions.

Description: Every decision you make affects the quality and direction of your life to some degree. Some decisions have more neutral consequences while others have a profound impact. This article covers the reasons for not making decisions, the cost of not making decisions and six steps to effective decision making.

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: A compilation of reader responses is presented to a real life situation posed involving a management, leadership, or other business decision. This issue’s case study involved whether a recently departed employee should be offered the chance to return, and whether he should consider it.