My year in review in 3 top themes

It is not uncommon when it is time to sit down and write one of these articles that I reach out to my editor, to see if there are any specific topics that I should address. This time when I asked the question, I received a request that I must admit, I found to be extremely challenging.

The request was for a Top 10 list. After all, it is not uncommon to do a review of the year and call out certain highlights. My first thought was, “Great! This should be pretty straightforward.” 

Then I got into reviewing the various articles from 2022. And it hit me: I typically write in a series where I string together a number of articles into a theme. As I looked at each month, I was reminded of the themes and realized that by the theme, I really had a limited number of themes to identify, and theoretically rank.

Through a number of starts and stops, I finally determined a Top 10 list really wouldn’t exclude much of the year, at least from a theming perspective. After a number of different attempts, however, I ended up with a Top 3 list. This list comprises two themes that we explored in 2022 and a single, standalone article that strikes me as gaining in importance as we continue to advance the profession.

Let’s start by looking at the two themes (in no particular order):

#1. The first theme goes back to the beginning of 2022 as we looked at the GPS of our leadership: oaths, ethics, and values. This was an especially fun series to write as this was where I deliberately began my leadership journey. I had positional leadership, and I thought I was good leader. The people I led, however, likely identified many flaws in my leadership. 

These articles reviewed the key elements of leading any group of people, and I would identify them as foundational to becoming a better leader. If you are unsure of where you are as a leader, start right here. You may find that you already have these topics covered. With that said, I have found it beneficial to check my GPS because I find I do wander off the path occasionally. 

#2.  The second theme I want to call out from 2022 is when we looked at Leadership Limits. We all have limits. Recognizing our limits, improving them, and using them to our advantage is another key trait that we should develop as leaders.

There is one standalone article I would like to draw your attention to as we wrap up this recap of 2022. This is an article on the concept of compensation. With the ongoing challenges and corresponding opportunities that exist not just in the marketplace but throughout the world today, it is more important than ever to understand this concept.

And with that, I have successfully identified key articles for your consideration as we look back at 2022. 

As I mentioned earlier, I found this process very challenging. I believe that is partially because we are all on our own leadership journeys and will find ourselves facing different challenges. You may very well have found greater value in other topics throughout the year, and that it good. 

As I wrap this up, allow me to say “Thank you!” Thank you for your support and taking a few minutes to read these articles. I trust you find value and you are encouraged to come back again. 

My very best wishes to you, your families, your teams, and the people you serve in 2023.

Remember, everyone deserves to be led well.

Until next time –

Jesse McCullough, PharmD

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