Think you’re too average to lead? Dave Kester, founder of Coaching Actuaries, shares how leadership isn’t about titles or talent—it’s about initiative, growth, and supporting your team with purpose.
Are you an actuary or an actuary in training and need a leadership boost? In many respects, I see myself as a typical actuary. Compared to other actuaries, I don’t think I have any special natural gifts that set me apart for leadership.
Despite feeling very average, I find myself having significant leadership opportunities and responsibilities.
From Feeling Average to Leading
So, how can we go from feeling average to leading with confidence and effectiveness? Whether I lead effectively would need to be researched from my team, but I do feel more confident leading than when I first started.
One simple answer is leadership, like most skills, requires practice. Reading leadership books and networking with other leaders are good habits, but leadership is mostly perspiration rather than inspiration.
What Leadership Is (and Isn’t)
Real leadership is never about titles; rather it is about taking initiative, taking risks, and stepping forward. I’ve had actuarial interns display wonderful leadership during their internship. So, you have no excuse for not starting today—practice leading.
Leaders lead in many ways. Some have innovative ideas. Others bring rock-solid dependability. Others offer amazing technical skills. In the end, all leaders focus their vision on company goals and understanding the big picture.
How Leaders Support Their Teams
Ultimately, leaders are team players. Rather than seeking personal glory, they're motivated by team success. Leaders support their teams in the following ways.
- Recognizing every team member as an asset: Leaders believe that everyone is moving the ball forward, even in small steps, and fighting to preserve the team’s overall effectiveness.
- Embracing differences in how people are wired: Leaders view diverse perspectives as assets rather than obstacles to overcome.
- Prioritizing trust as the foundation of team success: Leaders understand that trust isn’t built by gathering smart people in a room, but through honest and effective candor.
- Practicing emotionally intelligent communication: Leaders know when to be brutally honest, when to be cautious, and how to navigate the wide range between the two.
- Planning communications with intention: Leaders consider whether team members are on-site or virtual and adjust strategies to maximize everyone’s contribution.
Leading Through Uncertainty and Change
Leaders identify complexity and provide clear explanation of the challenges and solutions. Leaders don’t let fear drive the team. Rather, the focus is solid long-term solutions.
I’m thankful for my teams. It’s never easy to see team members leave. However, as I see one of our team members leaving, it reminds me sometimes growth requires change.
A Final Word
Actuaries, don’t underestimate your abilities. Don’t be shy. Move forward and lead.