10 VP habits that murder content teams (and their deadlines)
Content strategists and writers, brace yourselves. These are the VP-level quirks that wreck workflows disguised as “leadership.” Spoiler: they’re not.
“Let’s tweak it one last time”
The content review shouldn’t mean bottlenecks. But when VPs demand “just one more tweak” at every stage, it derails progress and frustrates teams. Reminder: streamlining means fewer cooks, not a constant kitchen jam.
“I’ll know it when I see it”
Micromanaging content isn’t leadership — it’s sabotage. Hiring experts only to question every choice? That’s like hiring a chef and insisting they wing it while you decide mid-meal. Empower your team, or stay out of the kitchen.
“It has to be perfect”
You know what kills momentum? A VP chasing perfection. Reviews should enable teams, not entangle them in endless tweaks over a hyphen. Perfect is overrated, especially when it’s irrelevant to the audience.
“This doesn’t sound like me”
When a VP says, “This doesn’t feel like my voice,” it’s content karaoke — taking the mic when it’s not your song. Content isn’t about you; it’s about what the audience needs. LinkedIn applause isn’t the goal here.
“Here’s my 11th hour feedback”
Adding feedback at the last minute doesn’t improve content — it just wrecks deadlines. Deadlines aren’t flexible just because inspiration strikes late. Want better results? Try planning.
“I’m not sure what I want, but it’s not this”
If your feedback contradicts the original brief, maybe the content isn’t the problem. Clarity up front avoids endless edits and team burnout. Start clear, stay clear.
“Move fast, but wait for me”
Ever hear, “Move fast, but wait for my approval”? It’s the VP paradox. Demanding speed while creating bottlenecks is the fastest way to lose a team’s patience. You’re not a tollbooth — stop taxing everyone’s time.
“Let’s Keep Refining It”
Over-revising content doesn’t show dedication — it shows a lack of trust. Creativity can’t thrive under constant rewrites. Set goals, review strategically, and trust your team to deliver.
“I Have a Vision — Make It Happen”
When VPs derail content, it’s often ego dressed as “vision.” Stay focused on the audience. Great leaders let their team shine without casting unnecessary shadows.
“I’ll handle this myself”
Your role isn’t to micromanage — it’s to guide. Reviewing content for alignment, not control, is how you lead. Great leaders steer the ship; they don’t grab the wheel at every turn.
TL;DR: Stop being the problem
Content thrives on clarity, collaboration, and trust. If your team’s missing deadlines or losing morale, it’s time for a leadership reality check. Lead better, or step aside.
Will Kelly is a writer, marketer, and keen observer of the IT industry. Medium is home to his personal writing projects. He’s written for CIO, TechTarget, InfoWorld, and others. His career includes stints in technical writing, training, and marketing. Follow him on X: @willkelly.
