The Best of thoughtLEADERS 2010: The Greatest Posts You’ve Ever Seen

2010 is almost over so as usual it’s time for the year in review list of the BEST posts we’ve published in 2010.

We’re now making this an annual event therefore the award needs a name. I proudly introduce you to The Figgies! A tip of my hat to all my McKinsey buddies who used to call me that. Winning a Figgie is indeed prestigious. Here’s how it goes: 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. I don’t ask a lot of you folks so here’s my one request for a holiday gift – invite all your coworkers, friends, and family to come check out the blog and become readers. The only way we get better is by raising everyone’s game. I would love if you would invite your friends and colleagues to come read our stuff. I’m not asking a lot here. If you found this blog helpful at all this year, here’s your chance to return the favor for all our hard work.  Just email them and tell ’em to come take a look.

Thanks for your incredible support in ’10 and best wishes for ’11! We hope to be a part of your future success! A little foreshadowing for 2011 – I’ve signed a book deal with Jossey-Bass and my book on leadership will be hitting stores next fall. This is a REAL book (not one of those self-published vanity press jobbies). I hope you’ll sock away a few bucks and save up to buy a copy. More to come on that soon.

Enough sentimentality. Here’s the best stuff we’ve written all year:

Most Viewed/Forwarded: Critical Tips Every Traveler Must Know. This thing whipped around the web at the speed of light. I guess many of you are just as frustrated as I am with the stupidity that occurs on planes, trains, and automobiles. You might want to read it to make sure you’re not enraging other passengers around you.

Most Controversial: 4 Ways Leaders Can Overcome the Fear of Conflict. I go telling people to grow up, take off the kid gloves, and deliver tough messages. Some readers rallied to the cry while other readers just cried. Was I too tough or spot on? You make the call!

Best Attack: Hate Presenting? That’s Okay – They Hate Listening to You. This one is an attack on all horrible presenters. Are you one of them? Take a read and find out if you cut the mustard.

Best Employee Empowerment Advice: Leadership 101 – Leading Yourself. Before you can lead others you had better know where you’re going. This is step one of articulating your own leadership philosophy. It’s also a small taste of the first section of my upcoming book.

Best Social Media Bashing: It’s Okay to be a Social Networking Clown. As the Joker would say – “Why so serious?” Social media can be fun and professional. And professional does not mean stodgy. This post demystifies whether or not you should tell fart jokes on the internet.

Best Guest Post: 5 Changes Go-To People Must Make to Keep Going. Scott Eblin nailed it in this post on how to continue being the go-to person while still advancing your career. Great advice on ditching old behaviors and picking up new ones.

Best Career Enhancing Advice: The Big Jump – Go From Having Answers to Asking Questions. This one really resonated with folks looking to take on higher level roles and advance their career. You need to move from being the answer provider to being the question asker.

Most Practical Business Growth Advice: Entrepreneurs Need to Bootstrap to WIN. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or work at a global company the tips and mindsets discussed in this post can help you appreciate how to grow your business effectively.

Funniest Picture: If You Want to Close the Deal, Go Naked. No, I’m not spoiling the fun by posting the pic here. Click over to see it and read some great perspectives on how to ditch the PowerPoint and have a real conversation.

Best Use of a Jedi to Make a Point: If You Don’t Read This, You’re Going to Die. This category changed it has because monkeys in the future Jedis are not. Yoda makes some great points about how important it is to never stop learning.

Best Get Ready for 2011 Guidance: 1 Simple Way to Boost Productivity by 50%. I know I want to be more productive in 2011. Don’t you? Here are some simple thoughts on how changing your meeting behavior can do exactly that.

Wayback Winner: 10 Reasons Your Team Hates You (They Just Won’t Say It To Your Face). This is the greatest post I’ve ever written. It has it all: it’s a list, it feeds on fear, insecurity, and drama. Read it. I promise you’ll love it.

That’s all of ’em folks – our favorites from this past year. I hope you enjoy them. Again – thanks for all your support this year. I’m really looking forward to getting even edgier in 2011!

– Mike Figliuolo at thoughtLEADERS, LLC