The top ten mistakes leaders make. Book review with author Dr. Hans Finzel

Change Agent Leadership

What are the biggest mistakes leaders make—and how do we avoid them?

In this episode of Change Agent Leadership, Executive Coach Jonathan Hankin sits down with bestselling author and global leadership expert Dr. Hans Finzel to unpack the timeless lessons from his book, The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make. With over two decades leading international teams and equipping leaders across five continents, Dr. Finzel brings practical wisdom, personal stories, and hard-earned insights every leader needs.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a first-time manager, this conversation will challenge your mindset, sharpen your leadership skills, and help you lead with humility, clarity, and purpose.

▶️ Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JuULZnpE2gM

▶️ Work with me 1-on1: https://journey-coaching.com/contact

▶️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Change Agent Leadership

00:40 Meet Dr. Hans Finzel

02:03 The Reluctant Leader

07:03 The Top-Down Attitude

15:34 Balancing Tasks and People

22:27 The Pitfalls of Micromanagement

29:18 The Power of Humility in Leadership

30:27 The Importance of Communication

31:04 Challenges in Communication for Leaders

33:18 Effective Listening and Leadership

34:56 Key Principles to Avoid Communication Chaos

40:52 Handling Criticism and Conflict

43:13 Preparing for Future Leadership

47:30 Cultivating Future Leaders

54:57 Final Thoughts on Leadership

Topics We Cover:

• The 10 most common leadership mistakes (and how to overcome them)

• Why pride is the root of poor leadership

• The trap of micromanagement—and how to delegate with trust

• How to balance people work and paperwork in today’s distracted world

• Why communication chaos breaks teams (and how to fix it)

• Emotional intelligence, servant leadership, and creating healthy team culture

• Preparing the next generation of leaders

• What to do when it’s time to let go and pass the baton

Featured Guest: Dr. Hans Finzel

• Author of The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make (translated into 25+ languages)

• Former president of WorldVenture (served in over 65 countries)

• Global speaker, teacher, and founder of HD Leaders

• Learn more: https://hansfinzel.com/

Want to lead better? Avoid common traps? Develop your next leaders?

Don’t miss this powerful, humble, and incredibly practical conversation.

Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin
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