Description: One of the many reasons several organizations fail to reach their potential is the presence of internal politics. In general, the question is not whether politics are present within organizations rather the right question is how much politics exist? From The Stepping Stone, April 2005, Issue No. 18.

Description: The author suggests that if you invest in your professional image appearance, behavior and attitude you will advance your personal brand and undoubtedly succeed in your career.

Description: The fundamental steps to breaking out of a professional ‘slump’ are covered in this article.

Description: This article provides some effective ways to reward employees excellence.

Description: An article on how to battle cognitive bias.

Description: In this book review of ‘Analytics at Work: Smarter Decisions, Better Results,’ by Thomas Davenport, Jeanne Harris and Robert Morison, the reviewer notes it has attracted the attention of senior managers and executives who are interested in developing a culture of fact based vs. “gut based” decision making. The book describes the value of transitioning to an analytic based culture and how to do it. From ‘The Stepping Stone’ issue number 43.

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: “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: 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.