If you’re anything like us, 2018 went by in a blur. As you juggled responsibilities, you likely didn’t get to keep up with all the new thought leadership and trends you wanted to.
So as the year winds down, we thought you might like to catch up on some of the hottest topics of 2018. To make it easy for you, here are the top blogs DDI published this year:
1. 10 Hot Leadership Topics for 2018
This was the most-read blog we published in 2018—and it’s not hard to see why. Every single topic Stephanie Neal predicted would be prominent—from AI to a greater focus on data—mattered to leaders over the past 12 months.
2. The 4 Questions All Leaders Must Ask
Leadership isn't about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions. In this blog, Bruce Court defined the four types of questions all leaders need to regularly ask and explained why it’s so important to adopt a “questioning mindset.”
3. The 3 Most Dangerous Myths About Unconscious Bias
Unconscious bias was a popular topic in 2018. One of the most thought-provoking blogs came from Mark Smedley, who made the case that to avoid unconscious bias, we need to be aware of it and learn how to effectively manage it.
4. We Embrace the Concept of Diversity Until Confronted by the Reality of It
While an unquestionably worthwhile endeavor, attaining diversity is challenging for both organizations and individuals. Mark Busine explained one of the major reasons why: When faced with differences, we often react in ways that don’t match our intent.
5. Even If You’re Not a Leader, You’re Always Leading
It takes conscious effort to be a good leader. But not all leading happens when we’re trying. Leadership happens, Richmond Fourmy pointed out, even when we think we’re doing nothing.
6. How Strategic Leaders “See” Differently
Discussing the challenging transition from an operational to a strategic leadership role, Mike Hoban revealed how strategic leaders must develop “visual agility” to see both the critical details and the big picture.
7. Why Disruption Is the CEO’s Best Friend
Citing findings from the Global Leadership Forecast 2018, Audrey Smith and Stephanie Neal made a strong case that organizations benefit when they are led by CEOs who willingly embrace disruption and change.
8. The Surprising Generation That’s Changing the Future of Work
So much has been written about Millennials that the generation that currently holds many leadership roles, Gen X, has been overlooked. Stephanie Neal and Rich Wellins looked at what the research says about this forgotten generation.
9. A Gender-Diverse and Inclusive Culture: It’s a Symphony, Not Solos
In the analogy of a symphony orchestra, Tânia Fernandes Mendes found a novel way to talk about gender diversity in the leadership ranks—and why it’s a competitive advantage.
10. How a Talent Growth Mindset Creates a Company Growth Trajectory
What sets growth-mindset companies apart from the rest? For this blog, Evan Sinar offered an eye-opening list, including higher-quality leadership, improved financial performance, and better customer focus.