Description: Actuaries must be able to present compelling arguments to win over their audience. For the first time, they may be managing a staff looking for direction, making recommendations to senior leaders, or trying to persuade non-actuarial colleagues who see the world differently. This series of articles 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. Part 1 is focused on leading and influencing a team.

Description: This article is a comprehensive outline of the steps involved in a successful job search, specifically for actuaries seeking new opportunities. Drawing on my many years of experience placing actuaries, this article assists in managing the potential pitfalls of the process from the time you decide to start investigating new opportunities, until you have accepted an offer.

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: 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: The author shares a template for how to ensure speaking leads to business and career opportunities.

Description: The author encourages actuaries to improve their communication skills and gives tips for doing so.

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: 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 Stepping Stone issue 60, November 2015