Our Top 10 Stories of 2024
Evolving leadership trends and technological advancements drove interest in our most popular content from the past year
In today’s world, challenges are becoming more complex and how we tackle them—whether alone, as a team or as an organization—has never been more important.
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at some of Smith Business Insight’s top stories that have hopefully helped you lead, innovate and succeed in this topsy turvy world.
This year, we explored key strategies around making mentorship meaningful, working alongside AI assistants, setting tough goals and easing the burden on middle managers. We also examined some bold questions: Does doing less sometimes lead to more success? Is nature a hidden advantage for business? Are false beliefs holding your startup back?
As you revisit these stories, we hope they spark new ideas and provide inspiration to carry forward into the New Year.
The Wisdom of Do Nothing Leaders
Done right, a hands-off approach can spark employee growth and performance
How to Approach Your Dream Mentor
What’s really involved in asking someone to help you guide and shape your career? More than you think
The Middle Manager's Survival Guide
Leaders who must manage up and down are feeling the pressure these days. Here are four steps to get by, and maybe even thrive
How About Taking on a Stretch Goal?
Tackling a super-ambitious target can be a great way to build your career and, well, “stretch” your abilities
Why Humans and AI Assistants Need Relationship Advice
AI-assisted decision-making shows great promise, but human biases get in the way
The Myths Startup Founders Tell Themselves
The entrepreneurial ecosystem is filled with mistaken beliefs that too many young companies follow, often to their detriment
Your Firm’s Most Undervalued Asset? Try Nature
Too few businesses understand the value of biodiversity — to the planet and their competitiveness
Why Is the Public Sector a DEI Laggard?
Servant leaders are champions of inclusion. But they also face institutional barriers in the public service
Fake News Gives Brands a Real Headache
In the rush to capture eyeballs online, firms are inadvertently feeding the misinformation monster
Untethering Leadership from Leaders
We’re stuck in the rut of “leader” and “follower” identities. Is there a way out?