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: This article provides guidelines for practitioners of risk management. These guidelines fall under four general headings: 1. Understanding and fulfilling your role in the organization. 2. General risk management. 3. The use of derivatives. 4. Risk measurement systems.

Description: Edward Robbins, FSA and Christian Mora, Member of the Colombian Actuarial Association (ACA) gave a 3-hour course on actuarial professionalism to ACA members.

Description: Business leadership lessons from non-business leaders: interpersonal skills and people management

Description: This article describes a hypothetical workplace dilemma. Suggested solutions and feedback are provided in the next issue of Stepping Stones. From the April 2010 issue of Stepping Stones.

Description: The latest in a series of articles connecting the principles of Zen Buddhism to the working world of actuaries. This issue focuses on techniques for cultivating a gratitude mindset under all types of conditions - even stressful ones, in order to maintain equilibrium and harmony for a more productive workday.

Description: Nobody is perfect, and actuaries are no exception. At some point, every actuary is bound to make a big mistake. These kinds of mistakes can have a significant impact on an actuary's reputation — whether that impact is positive or negative depends in large part on the way someone investigates, communicates, and resolves errors they uncover. By approaching mistakes with transparency and honesty, these big mistakes can actually enhance credibility and reputation, rather than harm it.