Description: Actionable tips to improve the readability of business e-mails.

Description: The author discusses how small firms can compete successfully against big firms by cre¬ating a micro-niche business, because other firms—including big firms—cannot compete directly. In this way a small firm can compete against large firms with great success by stepping outside direct competi¬tion, in which it cannot hope to win. From ‘The Stepping Stone’ issue number 43.

Description: The latest installment in a series of articles inspired by the book "Awake at Work" by Michael Carroll that applies Buddhist philosophy to workplace situations. This series applies such philosophy to situations that actuaries regularly encounter. This installment uses the author's trials and tribulations in learning how to stand on his head to illustrate key Buddhist principles in fear and risk that actuaries can apply in their professional growth.

Description: The current president of ACTEX, an actuarial learning company, shares the company's history, development, and vision for the future.

Description: Review of The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande, and author insight into the importance of actuarial checklists.

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: 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.