Five Top Articles from 2022
At the beginning of each year, I like to look back and see how the different articles from both the past year, and previous years have done from a readership standpoint. I am always fascinated in how the articles can move around in the exposure they receive, both when posted, and when they have been searched online. Below are the top five most read articles in 2022. I’ve included a link to each one, as well as a few remarks about each as I look back at them.
4 Types of Influence Leaders Use That Makes a Difference
This has been top article for multiple years now. It is a popular subject, and it is not the only influence article on this list (see #3). This article takes the question of ‘why’ and goes one-step further to understand how influence makes a difference. Here is another article that can assist in getting started on this important area, Effective Leaders are Strong Influencers – Here's How to Get Started.
How Chick-fil-A Creates an Outstanding Customer Experience
Here is another article that is always in the top for readership for the year. I think the Chick-fil-a in the title is the big draw, but I am pleased that in a sea of articles about one of the top companies, known for service and quality, this article stands out. Perhaps you will not be surprised to find it is all about people, and how you set them up for success. Here is another article about a well-known company that consistently delivers on experience (hint: it’s the mouse house) — Want Customers to Remember Their Great Experience With You? Plus Up the Experience.
Why is Influence Important as a Leader?
Influence is a topic that has always come up when I ask leaders, especially newer ones, what they would like to learn more about. Influence is a critical skill. We do it every day, even when we might not realize it. Doing it artfully, and skillfully, likely will determine your success as a leader. Telling people what to do is not leadership. At best, that is management. Influencing others to act because they choose to and believe in what it will accomplish is leadership at its finest. This is a topic I am dedicated to coming back to in 2023 and spending more time on.
The Risks and Downsides of Empathy as a Leader
Empathy is a hot topic, and rightfully so. I feel it is maybe even more critical now than when this article was written. There is so much happening around each of us, taking time to understand how it may be impacting those you serve and work with can make a huge difference. There are downsides, as this article points out, but it also shares how you can avoid the pitfalls and maximize the benefits that come from this critical skill and competency. I revisited this topic not too long ago as well with another article, The Modern Empathetic Leader: Engagement in Challenging Times.
Writing an Effective Action Plan to Deliver Results for Your Store
I am really excited that this is a top article. I think the ability to write an effective action plan is a particularly useful skill for retail leaders. I wish it wasn’t as necessary, but I have found many leaders struggle to understand how this can be a useful approach to solving problems in their store, their district, or even their region.
It is so rewarding to see the readership and value that people get from any of the articles, but especially when they are viewed hundreds, if not thousands of times throughout the year. I will be curious to see what articles rise to the top throughout the year ahead and which remain popular favorites.
Are there any topics you would like to see in 2023? Send me an email with any ideas you have.
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Photo by Tony Hand on Unsplash