What's Lurking in Your Leadership Shadow?

A Spooky Fun Look at the Leadership Habits That Haunt Us

Every leader can cast a shadow. Some show up more dramatically, like when a perfectionist morphs into a full-blown micromanaging monster, or a helpful manager starts resembling a witch stirring too many cauldrons at once. It’s Halloween season, a perfect time to laugh at the ghosts of leadership bad habits, the monsters that lurk in our meeting rooms, and the vampires that drain team energy.

Take a walk through the Haunted Hall of Leadership Shadows and see who you recognize...

The Charismatic Vampire

Omnipresent, confident, and persuasive, the team hangs onto their every word... mostly because they never stop talking?

Shadow Sign: Every meeting somehow circles back to their idea.
Leadership Trick: If your leadership shadow resembles this magnetic monster, step away from the spotlight and invite others to shine. A little sunlight never hurt a vampire (well… in this case).

The Well-Meaning Witch 

Armed with creativity and endless solutions, this leader always has a potion for every problem. If a team member hits a roadblock, they’re already stirring up a fix.

Shadow Sign: They swoop in to solve things,  even when no one asked for help.
Leadership Trick: A little patience (and trust) goes a long way. Sometimes the best spell is letting others mix their own magic.

The Overworked Zombie

Fueled by caffeine and sheer willpower, this leader keeps going no matter what. Deadlines, meetings, emails — they move from one task to the next with admirable determination (and slightly haunted eyes).

Shadow Sign: They’re present in every room… just not always mentally present.
Leadership Trick: Rest isn’t a luxury. Recharging yourself may be the fastest way to revive your team’s energy, too.

The Invisible Ghost

Quiet, thoughtful, and humble — this leader means well but sometimes fades into the background. Especially when conflict or tough feedback floats into view.

Shadow Sign: They vanish when visibility or hard conversations are needed most.
Leadership Trick: When they step into the light, their presence brings calm and clarity to the whole team.

The Micromanaging Monster

Detail-oriented, dependable, and driven. But when pressure mounts, their inner control freak breaks loose. They hover over projects, check and recheck every line, and lurk nearby “just to make sure it’s done right.”

Shadow Sign: The team starts tiptoeing around them with carefully completed checklists.
Leadership Trick: By trusting others to act, they unleash real creativity, and might even get to relax for once.

Don't Lurk in the Leadership Shadows!

Let’s face it: everyone has a little monster, witch, or ghost in them. These archetypes aren’t villains — they’re just exaggerated versions of what makes each leader unique.

Recognizing a shadow doesn’t make someone a bad leader. It makes them a more aware one. The kind who can laugh at their quirks, learn from their habits, and keep showing up (fangs, broomsticks, and all).