Professionalism and Success 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 […]

Jan 20, 2022

Vision: Do You Know Where You’re Goin’ To?

Forgive the incorrect grammar, but superstar singer, Diana Ross made famous the following lyrics: Do you know where you’re goin’ to?Do you like the things that life is showin’ you?Where are you goin’ to?Do you know? You see, being crystal clear about your destination is absolutely critical for long-term success in any venture. If we […]

Nov 17, 2021

How to Be Heard: Is It Passion or Rationale?

A few years back, a young woman heard me share the “earning the right to be heard” process in a communication skills course. Later she told me how she used the approach to successfully pitch an idea to her senior management team. Her idea? Eliminate her current — but unnecessary — management position, and create […]

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 28, 2021

Stay Grounded In The Grind

I don’t believe anybody’s true purpose in life is to serve themselves. Instead, I think our purpose is rooted in serving others. We begin a life well-lived, full of meaning, contentment, and no regrets when we use our gifts and calling to achieve success through serving others. But if we’re not careful, we’ll get wrapped […]

May 11, 2021

Frisk It Before Your Risk It

Have you ever watched Law & Order, COPS, NCIS, Chicago PD, Criminal Minds, or any other crime drama? The love of crime shows runs so deep in our culture today. As millions of us have watched our favorite on-screen detectives, correctional officers, or police officers frisk someone, we’ve seen them tell the person in question […]

Apr 15, 2021

What Abandonment Taught Me About Adaptability & Success

Don’t be caught standing in your own way to achieving success. Abandoned as a child, I learned that adaptability is key to achieving your goals. Here’s why.

Professionalism and Success