Veel Hoeden Consulting

Veel Hoeden Consulting Proudly serving the blue-collar industry and beyond. We Develop Leaders That Last.

What if you could identify your organization's greatest leadership needs in less than 5 minutes?We also offer a FREE ass...
03/04/2026

What if you could identify your organization's greatest leadership needs in less than 5 minutes?

We also offer a FREE assessment to help you identify your company’s strengths and opportunity areas in leader development. Just use the QR code below to take the assessment and receive a copy of your results.

Just got off a call with a leader we're working with, and he shared his philosophy on managing his new team. "Fake it, ...
03/02/2026

Just got off a call with a leader we're working with, and he shared his philosophy on managing his new team. "Fake it, 'til you make it."
Hmmmm....

While I had my own internal response (which I later shared with him), it gave me pause to consider the pros and cons of such a philosophy if played out over time.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to help me fill in the Pros and Cons columns on this philosophy.

📢 Comment with one pro and one con, for faking it 'til you make it as a leader. One of you will win a copy of a top leadership book from my bookshelf for your efforts, but you must have both a pro and a con.

Ready, set, comment!

08/05/2025

How do you deal with gossip in the workplace? Check out these tips on how to keep it in check and turn the tide toward more positive team relationships.

07/24/2025

How do you make the jump from "Buddy to Boss" as a new manager? Check out these tips to help smooth your transition.

When departments clash, progress stalls—and leadership has to bridge the gap.New leaders often find themselves caught be...
04/28/2025

When departments clash, progress stalls—and leadership has to bridge the gap.

New leaders often find themselves caught between groups with different priorities, cultures, or communication styles. If the divide isn’t addressed, the shared goal suffers.

Here’s how to bring them together:
⚫Align everyone to the bigger picture. Focus on the shared goal and why it matters beyond individual teams.

⚫Clarify roles and expectations. Ensure that each group understands how their contributions interconnect and depend on one another.

⚫Create structured collaboration points. Regular check-ins and joint problem-solving sessions keep communication flowing.

Uniting departments isn’t about forcing agreement—it’s about creating a shared commitment to success.

How have you helped different teams work together effectively?

Today’s Big Question: "How do I encourage people to be accountable without being the ‘bad guy’?"Accountability isn’t abo...
04/14/2025

Today’s Big Question: "How do I encourage people to be accountable without being the ‘bad guy’?"
Accountability isn’t about punishment—it’s about commitment.

Many new leaders hesitate to encourage employees to be accountable, fearing it will hurt relationships. But without it, standards slip.

Here’s how to approach it:

⚫ Be clear about expectations from the start. Accountability works best when it’s built in from the beginning.

⚫ Have direct, fair conversations. Avoid vague feedback or unnecessary harshness.

⚫ Follow through. If there are no consequences, accountability doesn’t exist.

Accountability creates a culture of trust and reliability.

❓How do you empower people to follow through?

Today’s Big Question: "What’s the best way to run an effective team meeting?"A good meeting drives action—a bad one wast...
04/11/2025

Today’s Big Question: "What’s the best way to run an effective team meeting?"
A good meeting drives action—a bad one wastes time.

New leaders sometimes run meetings that are unfocused, unnecessary, or frustrating to their team.

Here’s how to run effective meetings:

⚫ Have a clear purpose and agenda. If there’s no tangible need to meet, skip the meeting.

⚫ Keep it concise. Stick to key points and respect people’s time.

⚫ End with action steps. Make sure everyone knows what’s next.

Meetings should be tools, not obstacles.

❓What’s your top tip for running productive meetings?

Today’s Big Question: "How do I build trust with my team when I’m new to leadership?"Trust is earned through actions, no...
04/10/2025

Today’s Big Question: "How do I build trust with my team when I’m new to leadership?"
Trust is earned through actions, not words.

New leaders can’t assume trust—it must be built. Without it, teamwork suffers, and communication breaks down.

Here’s how to establish trust:

⚫ Be honest and transparent. Say what you mean and follow through.

⚫ Listen more than you talk. Show that you value their input.

⚫ Admit mistakes. Owning up to errors builds credibility.

Trust takes time, but small, consistent actions make a big impact.

❓What’s one way you’ve built trust with a new team?

Today’s Big Question: "What should I do if my boss gives me unrealistic expectations?"Leading a team while managing up i...
04/09/2025

Today’s Big Question: "What should I do if my boss gives me unrealistic expectations?"
Leading a team while managing up is a tricky balance.

Many new leaders feel caught between their team’s reality and upper management’s demands. Pushing back too hard can be risky—but blindly accepting everything can set the team up for failure.

Here’s how to manage it:

⚫ Clarify priorities. Ask what’s most critical if resources are limited.

⚫ Offer solutions, not just complaints. Frame challenges with alternatives.

⚫ Communicate with your team honestly. Be transparent about changing priorities while keeping morale stable.

Managing up is a skill every leader needs.

❓How do you handle unrealistic demands from above?

Today’s Big Question: "How do I handle a team member who resists my leadership?"Not everyone will immediately accept you...
04/08/2025

Today’s Big Question: "How do I handle a team member who resists my leadership?"
Not everyone will immediately accept you as their leader.

Resistance can come from past experiences, personality clashes, or fear of change. If ignored, it can disrupt the team.

Here’s how to address it:

⚫ Have a direct conversation. Ask what’s behind their resistance and listen.

⚫ Be clear about expectations. Make it known that respect and teamwork aren’t optional.

⚫ Lead consistently. Over time, actions will earn more respect than words.

Winning over a skeptic takes patience and firm leadership.

❓How have you dealt with resistant employees?

Today’s Big Question: "How do I manage friendships with coworkers now that I’m their boss?"Leadership changes relationsh...
04/07/2025

Today’s Big Question: "How do I manage friendships with coworkers now that I’m their boss?"
Leadership changes relationships, and that’s okay.
Many new leaders struggle with leading former peers. If boundaries aren’t set, favoritism or resentment can creep in.

Here’s how to navigate it:

⚫ Communicate the change. Acknowledge the shift and set new expectations.

⚫ Treat all employees equally. Playing favorites based on past relationships diminishes your credibility.

⚫ Be Clear about your role. Create clarity around your role as a leader versus a friend and the responsibility you hold for the whole group.

You can still be friendly—but being a leader must come first.

❓What’s been your experience leading former coworkers?

Address

427 Main Street
Pella, IA
50219

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Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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