The Best of thoughtLEADERS 09: Why Your Team Hates You and Other Gems
I’m an idiot (no comments). I almost forgot to give you this year in review list of the BEST posts we’ve published this year. This list is comprised of our most viewed, most forwarded, quirkiest, most provocative work as judged by you the readers (with a little of our discretion thrown in). We’ve also included a few hidden gems we think deserve another shot in the spotlight. There’s also a kicker bonus post on the list just for good measure (it’s a “wayback” – and speaking of wayback, check out the photo on the trophy… yes… that’s me ’80’s style baby!).
Enjoy. Share. We’ve loved writing them. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading them. Thanks for your incredible support in ’09 and best wishes for ’10! We hope to be a part of your future success!
Enough sentimentality. Here’s the best stuff we’ve written all year:
Most Viewed and Forwarded Post: 10 Reasons Your Team Hates You (They Just Won’t Say It To Your Face). This post was viewed over 20,000 times. In 2 days. Wow. I’m pretty sure I pushed every button I could when I wrote this (insecurity, paranoia, a 10 point list, etc.). Learn the 10 most destructive behaviors you can exhibit as a leader (and learn how to fix them).
Most Controversial Post: Don’t Waste Your Time Hiring High Performers. This one generated some pretty vitriolic response especially on another site where it was reposted. The bottom line: hiring high performers is stupid and wasteful if you haven’t properly prepared to do so.
Best Attack Post: “Expert?” Um, I Don’t Think So… I hate charlatans. People who are self-titled “experts” are usually nothing more than that. To be clear – only THE MARKET can proclaim you an expert. This post exposes the myth of the expert and helps you avoid the risks associated with working with them.
Best Employee Empowerment Post: Why Kenny Kicks Tiffany’s Butt. Aside from the awesome picture of the guy with the Mohawk, I love the message of this post. If you empower your people to make decisions and take action, great things can happen. If you don’t you’ll screw up your business.
Best Social Media Bashing Post: Are You Slowly Destroying Your Network? Social media is awesome… if you want to be nothing more than some ones and zeroes to the important people in your professional life. Learn how to get beyond the screen and actually maintain a powerful network.
Best Guest Post: Making Your Service Ethic Contagious. Ray Taylor nailed it in this one – you are the source of your organization’s service values. I love the story he uses to illustrate the point (as did many readers).
Best Career Enhancement Post: How to Avoid 4 Major Job Interview Mistakes. Hopefully the economy will continue to turn in ’10 and hiring will pick up. If you don’t want to blow your interview, I highly suggest checking out the 4 major mistakes you might make.
Most Practical Business Growth Advice: As the Chili Peppers Say, Give It Away Now! I’m sure all of you are looking to grow your business this coming year. This post lays out a clear set of techniques for doing so (the first of which is give away what you do or sell).
Funniest Picture Accompanying a Post: This one is a tie between Donnie the Mustard Man and Spinach Boy. The pictures are priceless (and the posts are good too). I won’t ruin it by putting the pics in this post – you gotta work for ’em and actually click…
Best Use of a Dog to Make a Point: 3 Reasons No One Listens to You. As Pink Floyd says “your lips move but I can’t hear what you’re saying.” Guess what? People aren’t listening to anything you say. Seriously. This post explains why and how to fix it.
Best Foot in the Behind to Get You Ready for 2010 Post: Courageous Decision Making – Quit Being a Wimp and Lead. This post is pretty in-your-face (like that’s a surprise coming from me?). It’s a great way to fire yourself up and lead your organization to a better place in 2010.
The Wayback Award Winner: Managerial Miscues – The “But(t) Sandwich.” This was from way back in January 2008 but as you’re going into performance review time, it’s some incredibly practical and important advice on how to/how not to deliver feedback.
That’s all of ’em folks – our favorites from this last year. I hope you enjoy them. Again – thanks for all your support this year. I’m really looking forward to getting even edgier in 2010!
Nice list Mike. I'm honored to be mentioned.
This was a great opportunity to re-read the best of '09. My personal favorite was the "Give it Away" post. When I reflect on last year I realized your guidance has served me well. Thank you.
All the best in 2010!
-Ray