The Seven Most Common Writing Mistakes You Should Avoid

Writing clearly and correctly is crucial, especially in business. Here are seven of the most common mistakes people make in the English language—and how to avoid them.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
This mistake happens when the subject and verb don’t agree in number (singular or plural). Example: “The team are working late.” The correct version should be, “The team is working late,” because “team” is singular.

2. Misplaced Modifiers
Modifiers are words that add detail, but when placed incorrectly, they can confuse the reader. For example, “She almost drove her kids to school every day” suggests she rarely drove them, when the intention was “She drove her kids to school almost every day.”

3. Incorrect Use of Apostrophes
Apostrophes are often misused in plurals and possessives. For instance, “The company’s values” (possessive) vs. “The companies merged” (plural). A common mistake is using apostrophes for plurals, like “apple’s” instead of “apples.”

4. Confusing Homophones
Words like “their,” “they’re,” and “there” trip many up. Even seasoned writers sometimes mix up “its” and “it’s.” “Its” is possessive, while “it’s” means “it is.” Be mindful of the differences to avoid these mix-ups.

5. Run-On Sentences
Run-on sentences occur when independent clauses aren’t properly connected. For example: “I love writing it’s fun and helps me think clearly.” Correct version: “I love writing. It’s fun and helps me think clearly.”

6. Overuse of Commas
While commas can clarify meaning, overusing them makes sentences confusing. For example: “The CEO, wants to address the issue, as soon as possible.” Instead, it should be: “The CEO wants to address the issue as soon as possible.”

7. Sentence Fragments
Fragments are incomplete sentences that leave out essential components, like the subject or verb. For example, “Because the project was delayed.” This is a fragment, and needs something like, “We missed the deadline because the project was delayed.”

standardJanuary 7Tom SalonekCommunication

Preparing for the New Year: A Leader’s Guide to Goal-Setting and Growth

As the calendar flips, the New Year is a golden opportunity for leaders to reflect, refocus, and reignite their ambitions. But preparing effectively goes beyond crafting a generic resolution list. It’s about setting intentional goals—for yourself and your team—and avoiding the pitfalls that often derail progress.

Here are five actionable steps to prepare for a successful New Year, along with common mistakes to avoid:

1. Reflect Before You Plan

Before setting new goals, assess the past year. What worked? What didn’t? Too often, leaders rush into planning without taking stock of lessons learned.

Action: Conduct a personal and team-level review. Ask, “What should we keep doing, stop doing, or start doing?”

Common Mistake: Focusing only on failures or successes, rather than the underlying reasons behind them.

2. Set SMART Goals—But Add Heart

SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals are essential, but don’t overlook the why behind your goals. Goals that lack personal meaning or team alignment risk falling flat.

Action: Tie goals to a larger purpose, whether it’s personal growth or advancing the company mission. For team goals, ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

Common Mistake: Setting overly ambitious or vague goals like “double revenue” without a clear, actionable plan.

3. Prioritize Personal Development

Great leaders continually grow. The New Year is a chance to sharpen your skills and model a culture of learning for your team.

Action: Choose one or two areas for personal development—whether it’s improving communication, mastering a new technology, or enhancing emotional intelligence. Share your development goals with your team to inspire them.

Common Mistake: Neglecting your own growth because you’re too focused on operational goals. Leaders can’t pour from an empty cup.

4. Engage Your Team in the Planning Process

New Year plans shouldn’t be a solo endeavor. Involve your team in goal-setting to ensure buy-in and accountability.

Action: Hold brainstorming sessions to define team priorities and ask each team member to set individual goals that align with these priorities.

Common Mistake: Imposing goals on your team without their input, which can lead to disengagement and resistance.

5. Anticipate Obstacles and Stay Flexible

Even the best-laid plans can encounter roadblocks. Successful leaders plan for challenges and remain agile.

Action: Identify potential risks to your goals and develop contingency plans. Review progress quarterly to make adjustments as needed.

Common Mistake: Treating a goal as static and giving up entirely if setbacks occur. Flexibility is key to long-term success.

Final Thoughts

The New Year isn’t just a reset button; it’s a chance to evolve as a leader and inspire your team to do the same. Reflecting thoughtfully, setting meaningful goals, and avoiding common mistakes can create a roadmap for a fulfilling and productive year.

standardDecember 31Tom SalonekLeadership

Building Resilient Teams: Lessons from the Hockey Rink to the Boardroom

As a parent of two hockey players, I’ve spent countless hours at the rink, witnessing teamwork, grit, and the occasional spectacular goal. Watching my kids play, I’ve come to appreciate that the lessons from the ice can be just as valuable in the boardroom as they are on the rink. Like hockey coaches, business leaders need to build resilient teams that adapt quickly, recover from setbacks, and play to their collective strengths.

Here are three leadership lessons from hockey that translate into better team management:

1. Play as a Team, Win as a Team

Hockey is a fast-paced sport where individual talent shines only when it integrates with team strategy. A star player is nothing without teammates setting up the play. Similarly, in business, fostering collaboration ensures the whole team succeeds. Leaders should focus on creating environments where every individual contributes to the team’s goals, not just their own.

Business Takeaway: Encourage cross-departmental collaboration and celebrate team wins. Recognize those who assist behind the scenes as much as those who score the “goals.”

2. Resilience is Built Through Challenges

Hockey players take hits, lose games, and face setbacks—but they always get back on the ice. Resilient teams in the workplace also recover quickly, learning from failures rather than fearing them. The ability to pivot and adapt is key in today’s unpredictable business landscape.

Business Takeaway: Foster a culture where mistakes are treated as learning opportunities. Offer support and resources for your team to bounce back stronger.

3. Adapt to the Fast Pace of the Game

In hockey, the game changes in seconds. Players must make split-second decisions, adapt to new plays, and react to opponents’ moves. Similarly, businesses must be agile, constantly adjusting strategies in response to market changes, customer needs, and industry trends.

Business Takeaway: Equip your team with the tools and training needed to make informed, rapid decisions. Regularly review and refine strategies to keep pace with changing conditions.

A Leader’s Role: The Coach on the Bench

As a leader, your job mirrors that of a hockey coach: provide the vision, define the strategy, and support your players in executing the plan. Whether you’re leading a product development team or managing a sales department, resilience and teamwork will be your winning combination.

The next time I’m watching my kids take the ice, I’ll be reminded that the lessons they’re learning—teamwork, perseverance, and adaptability—are the same principles I strive to embody and instill in my professional life. As leaders, we don’t need a rink to practice these principles, but a hockey mindset can make all the difference.

standardDecember 24Tom SalonekHappy Employees

Holiday Spirit in Leadership: Ways to Be Thankful and Lift Others Up

The holiday season is a perfect time for leaders to pause, reflect, and spread gratitude. It’s not just about celebrating—it’s about fostering a sense of community and making others feel valued. Here are practical ways for business leaders and managers to show appreciation and inspire others this holiday season.

1. Start with Gratitude

Take the time to recognize the contributions of your team. A heartfelt “thank you” goes a long way. Acknowledge specific accomplishments or qualities of each team member in a personal and genuine way.

Idea: Host a gratitude meeting or write personalized notes to your team, sharing specific reasons why their work has mattered this year.

2. Celebrate Small Wins

Not every success is headline-worthy, but small wins fuel long-term momentum. Use the holiday season to highlight these achievements and the individuals who made them possible.

Idea: Create a “holiday highlight reel” to share with your team. Recap achievements from the year and showcase unsung heroes.

3. Give Back to the Community

Model the spirit of giving by involving your business in a cause. Helping others fosters a sense of purpose and connection that resonates throughout your organization.

Idea: Organize a volunteer day or match employee donations to a charitable cause. Choose an initiative that aligns with your company’s values, like supporting STEM education or local nonprofits.

4. Spread Joy with Small Gestures

Thoughtful acts can brighten someone’s day, even in simple ways. Consider gestures that show you care about your team beyond their professional roles.

Idea: Send a small, meaningful gift or provide extra time off so employees can spend quality time with loved ones. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—authenticity matters more than price.

5. Foster a Culture of Appreciation

Make gratitude a year-round practice by embedding it in your workplace culture. When employees feel valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

Idea: Create a virtual “kudos wall” or implement a peer-to-peer recognition program where employees can celebrate each other’s contributions.

6. Lift Up and Inspire

As a leader, your optimism and encouragement can have a ripple effect. Share stories of perseverance, kindness, or teamwork to end the year on a high note.

Idea: Send a holiday message to your team highlighting how their work has made a difference, both within the organization and beyond. Inspire them with a vision for the year ahead.

The holidays are a reminder of the importance of connection and appreciation. As business leaders, we have a unique opportunity to lift others up—not just now, but all year long. Let’s make it a season of thankfulness, generosity, and joy.

standardDecember 18Tom SalonekLeadership