Improving Performance Archives | Van Hooser Associates, Inc

Jun 8, 2022

When ‘In Over Your Head’ Is a Good Thing

Feeling In Over Your Head? It can be an overwhelming, unsettling, literally “I can’t breathe” feeling. But for anyone really wanting to grow and succeed, being in over your head can actually be a good thing. Here’s a quick story to illustrate the point. Taking the Plunge During a canoeing adventure on Missouri’s scenic Current […]

May 4, 2022

How to Manage Your Manager

Too often good employees and good leaders have good intentions, yet they find themselves at a disconnect. So what can you do when you find you need to manage your manager? One of our viewers shared this scenario and asked this question… “I’m a very goal-driven person, and I have things I want to accomplish in my […]

Apr 7, 2022

World-Class Service & The Masters Who Create It

During my 30+ year professional speaking career, I’ve enjoyed a number of incredible, world-class service experiences. But my experience from twenty years ago this week is hard to top. In 2002, I spent 10 days working as a “paid volunteer” at The Masters Championship at Augusta National Golf Club. A tough job, but somebody’s got to […]

Sep 16, 2020

Not Training Leaders? Here’s What You’re Risking

Some people — okay, most people — are pitched into the leadership fray without really knowing how to perform. Some have the potential to lead and have demonstrated great technical expertise. But few naturally possess the leadership skillset to be successful right out of the chute. And unfortunately, studies show most organizations don’t provide much […]

Jul 2, 2020

Don’t Call People Out. Instead, Do This!

Many are quick to call people out. As a leader, every word you say matters. If you want your people to perform better, instead of calling people out, call them up…then watch them rise.

Jan 3, 2020

63 Things People Wish You’d Do At Work

There’s a really fine line we all should walk when it comes to pleasing people. #1 You should never compromise your integrity. #2 You shouldn’t obsess over making everyone happy. However, when it comes to work, if there are some things you can easily start or stop doing in order to elevate yourself in the […]

Dec 17, 2019

Managing Remote Employees: Tools to Help

Managing remote employees is tough. Here’s a tool that will help you stay connected with the remote employees you’re managing and stay on top of how they are performing.

Nov 19, 2019

Leaders Create Problems for Themselves

I hear a lot of stories in the client events and leadership training programs I conduct. And regularly, employees share how their leaders create problems for themselves that are completely avoidable. Let’s take a look at two common leadership problems and what can be done to avoid them.

Oct 29, 2019

When to Address Performance Issues

Leaders can’t always pick the perfect time to address critical performance issues with an employee, so sometimes sensitivity and timeliness are at odds. So when is the right time to address performance issues? Good question. Let’s talk about it.

Improving Performance