Whether you’re navigating a promotion, considering a lateral move or setting professional development goals, there are a number of transferable skills that contribute to success in a variety of roles. Below are a few skills that have a large impact at all career stages and will continue to be essential as the industry evolves. While it’s likely some align with your innate strengths and others may require more intentionality and practice, all these skills will help you excel as future needs and priorities arise.
Active Listening |
Active listening goes beyond hearing words – it involves understanding tone, emotion, intent and delivery – skills that AI cannot replicate. Through active listening, you’re able to provide more thoughtful feedback and more efficiently resolve conflicts, helping create stronger connections and build trust. |
Empathy |
Amid ongoing uncertainty, technological transformations, return to office mandates and more, professionals are dealing with a number of pressures. By being empathetic to what others may be going through, you’re able to build better connections and paths of communication, often contributing to increased collaboration and productivity. |
Patience |
Insurance involves complex concepts and emotional situations, from working directly with policyholders to managing a team. Taking time to listen, learn and educate leads to less stress, better outcomes and fewer errors. |
Problem-Solving |
Finding creative solutions – whether it’s improving an existing process or handling unexpected challenges – is essential for advancement and innovation. Strong problem-solvers are also able to streamline operations, make better decisions and work well under pressure. |
Communication |
Effective communication – from translating technical concepts to managing change or delivering feedback – will remain irreplaceable in an AI-driven future. Those who can articulate ideas and provide clear information will drive and influence outcomes with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders. |
Adaptability |
Ongoing change is inevitable. Leaning into innovation and the new roles, processes and environments that come with it help ensure you won’t be left behind. Leverage your current strengths and transferable skills, embracing the advantage they provide even in uncharted territory. |
Optimism |
A positive outlook can lead to better outcomes and higher engagement. The ability stay positive through challenges creates a ripple effect that elevates team performance, motivates others and drives a positive workplace culture. |
Accountability |
When you own both your successes and failures, it demonstrates a commitment to growth and self-reflection, helping build trust with your manager, peers and employees. Holding yourself responsible and working to make things right, while learning from mistakes, is key as you develop as a professional. |
Self-Assurance |
Confident professionals trust their instincts and decisions. Often these individuals are natural leaders and provide a sense of stability to others. |
Growth Mindset |
The insurance professionals who thrive tomorrow are those who welcome today’s challenges as learning opportunities. Continually adding to your toolkit will help you meet your full potential. |
The insurance industry offers countless paths for professional growth, with a number of transferable skills being essential for paving the way, regardless of the specific role or level. As the industry and overall business landscape continue to evolve, those who have taken the time to hone the above skills will be best prepared to embrace new opportunities and tackle unforeseen challenges.