Description: The article describes principles for optimal sub-tasking of a project goal. Two experiments each one comparing different approaches are presented. A summary of principles for optimal goal setting presents seven key points: i)levels of outcome goals should be recognizable and lack ambiguity; ii) each subtask should be atomic, i.e. not be capable of being broken up into further subtasks, iii) the subtasks should be uniform, lacking ambiguity, so that any new trainee could master it without the need for further guidance; iv) each subtask should be attainable in a reasonable amount of time; v) mentor feedback should be provided during the initial stages of learning or training; vi) upon mastery of each subtask trainees should be encouraged to maximize their overall score; vii) after mastery of individual subtasks, while attempting to maximize scores, trainees should be provided with a mixture of easy, intermediate, and difficult tasks.

Description: It is well established that empowerment of staff is a critical leadership trait. But what are the metrics to recognize that you have achieved it? What steps enable this achievement? Which psychological attributes explain its efficacy?This article proposes to answer these questions through a multi-disciplinary examination of empowerment in the context of three leadership domains.

Description: July 2019 issue of The Stepping Stone by Leadership & Development Section. practical information for actuaries, trends that impact section, section activities.

Description: This article describes and shows how to apply an often overlooked but crucial concept to build influence in conversations, tension management.

Description: This is part 3 of a series on how to have influential conversations that build your profile as a leader.

Description: A compilation of reader responses to a tricky management situation, where a consultant doesn't want to work with someone else on the team.

Description: The author reviews works from Greco-Roman literature from 800 B.C. to 400 A.D. and discusses how they relate to business and management, strategy and tactics.

Description: Read about how a great leader lays a tone upon which the harmonics of their followers are naturally amplified, rallying them together, while the tone of a great follower provides harmonics that further provide a layer of resonance for supporting those around them. These qualities help drive motivation, morale, and productivity within an organization.

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 what to do about a product line that wasn't living up to expectations.

Description: A real life situation is posed involving an actuarial management decision, and readers are invited to suggest "What Would You Do?"