Yesterday, I asked what you consider the most important business stories of the past decade. Since then, a question has arisen as to whether the decade ends at the end of 2009 or the end of 2010. It's really a discussion that has been going on since Y2K.

Take our poll. When do you think a decade really starts and ends and why. You an use the "reply" button to add your reasons after you vote.

Can you believe this first decade of the new millennium is nearing an end already? There have been some highs and a lot of lows. Which ones were the most memorable? Which were the most important? Which events made the biggest impact on you or your business? Click the comments link below to add your thoughts.

• UK internet sales during the holiday season were expected to double to in excess of £1.7bn in 2002. In February 2009 they averaged of £167m per week (over £8.5bn for a year).
• Harvey Pitt stepped down as Securities and Exchange Commission chairman in 2002 amid unfolding financial scandals. Little did we know what was ahead.
• In 2005, Business Week Magazine profiled the rising importance of India and China, in a piece called The Rise Of Chindia.
• In 2007, the growing service industry in India created a new "middle class" and provided significant opportunities for women there.
• The Business Events Forum met in 2007 to find ways to tackle the problem of climate change.

So what do you remember? What were the major business events and trends in the past decade? Click the comments link below to add your thoughts.

If you have been reading our Management Skills Pyramid articles this week, why not take a moment and share your thoughts with your peers.

We asked What Management Skill Level You Are and what you feel you have to do to move to the next level. Add your response to our management skill level poll and read others' answers.

And be sure to check back on Monday to read about Level 4 of the Management Skills Pyramid. What is at the top; what is the peak of the pyramid?

When you get to Level 3 of the Management Skills Pyramid you have mastered the basics and learned how to motivate your team. Now it's time to focus on yourself and your development.

There are two key areas of personal development the developing manager must master now, self management and time management.

Are you as good at managing yourself as you are at managing others? Are you as skilled at managing time as you are at managing people? Level 3 of the Management Skills Pyramid shows you how to master both of these management skill areas that are critical to your continued development as a manager and to the advancement of your career.

Photo © John Reh, 2009