Leadership Pitfalls Archives | Van Hooser Associates, Inc

Aug 10, 2021

A Leadership Lesson Learned the Hard Way

What is the one leadership lesson you’ve learned the hard way? Think about it for a minute — whatever it is, has it stuck with you? Mine has. But as hard as it was, it was a positive turning point in my leadership growth. Maybe my experience can save you some pain while helping you […]

Jul 15, 2021

I’m Positive: How to Avoid Assumptions

For Three Stooges fans out there, you’ll probably remember the following bit. If you’re not a fan, hang on — their routine illustrates a common trap business leaders and professionals encounter. These tips will help you avoid the “I’m positive” pitfall. “I’m Positive” Routine Their shtick went something like this. Larry gives Moe some sort […]

May 18, 2021

Grow or Swell… Are You Creating Positive Leadership Goodwill?

Negative or Positive Leadership? Picture it. Eighty-five top managers from a well-known national organization jammed into a meeting room for a one-day leadership retreat. I wanted to get the group involved quickly, so I began with a simple exercise “Think of the best leader you’ve ever known…” I asked them. “…then write down the characteristics […]

Feb 22, 2021

6 Inexcusable Leadership Flaws

We have a whole section in our leadership management training we call “unpardonable sins of leadership.” These leadership flaws are the actions and attributes that so obviously hamper good leadership that many people find them inexcusable. Take a couple minutes and do a self-check, your leadership reputation is worth it.

Jan 26, 2021

Do You Even Know My Name?

If we’re honest, we often find a “people issue” at the root of many of our work problems. Sometimes it’s caused by something as simple as being unable to respond to the question: “Do you even know my name?” If a leader can’t get the answer right, it could be the best place to start. […]

Jan 12, 2021

Intentional Leaders Steer Where They Stare

Several years ago, I took a motorcycle safety class. During the course, the instructor made a statement that applies not only to successfully riding a bike but also to successfully leading. The instructor said, “When you get on the bike, remember this: you will steer where you stare.” The same is true for intentional leaders. […]

Nov 11, 2020

Consider Leadership from Two Viewpoints

To be the best, leaders shouldn’t think they’ve arrived. Instead, they should evaluate their leadership effectiveness from where their people want them to be. Let’s consider leadership from two different viewpoints.

Sep 1, 2020

Leadership Sin

People regularly lose their golden opportunity to lead for one of three reasons. They either don’t recognize, or refuse to stop doing those things followers despise. What leadership sin do employees and followers detest? Keep reading.

Aug 5, 2020

Walk the Talk: How’s Your Leadership Credibility?

During the leadership management training I conduct, people often share the clearest perspective on great leadership. They also come up with some of the biggest problems leaders create for themselves. One person brought up the critical issue of leadership credibility. In short, why is it important for leaders to walk the talk? And what happens […]

Leadership Pitfalls