Blog Post #2 : communication
core COMPETENCY spotlight:
Communication
Kai Kristiansen, Commercial Lines Assistant
Communication plays a critical role in my position as a Commercial Lines Assistant at Axis Insurance. A significant part of my work involves email correspondence with account managers, each of whom has their own specific styles and preferences for how documents are formatted. For example, I recently tailored an invoice and certificate in a manner specifically requested by an account manager. This small adaptation not only met their needs but also strengthened our working relationship and resulted in a positive outcome.
One challenge I’ve encountered is working with colleagues who have been in the insurance industry for one or two decades, while I’m still in my first year. This occasionally creates barriers when it comes to understanding industry acronyms, technical terms, or nuances in processes. However, I’ve found that being proactive in seeking support from my internal team has made a big difference. My manager and I hold bi-weekly “check-ins,” which provide a good opportunity for me to ask questions, seek clarification, and review tasks that require a deeper understanding than an email. These sessions have been huge for bridging any knowledge gaps.
In addition, I’ve relied on training modules provided by insurers such as Wawanesa and Intact. These resources have been helpful in building my foundational knowledge, particularly when it comes to industry-specific terminology and processes. By leveraging these tools and consistently seeking feedback, I’ve grown more confident in my ability to communicate effectively with my peers, ensuring that I can contribute meaningfully to my team and foster strong professional relationships.
Overall, this experience has proved the importance of communication, especially in a virtual environment, and I’m excited to continue developing this skill throughout my career.