Makarios Consulting Blog

Author: Timothy I. Thomas and Rip Tilden

Are You Listening…Well!

Good listening skills will increase the amount of effective feedback leaders get from their employees and team members. Unfortunately, pure listening – really listening and hearing – is not an easy task. We engage in four types of listening, but only one of these really opens the communication floodgates: Physical Listening: Here, we are physically… Continue reading Are You Listening…Well!

Watch Out: 6 Obstacles to Effective Communication

Famed management teacher and writer Peter Drucker states that “…the essence of management is communication.” We fully agree with Professor Drucker – a leader’s ability to communicate effectively determines his or her own impact, and the results his organization delivers. We find that leaders often struggle to improve communication, even when they spend a huge… Continue reading Watch Out: 6 Obstacles to Effective Communication

Be Honest: What’s Your Current Position?

Vision defines where you want your business to go. Once your vision statement is in place, it is essential to assess with clarity and honesty, and, in detail, the current state of your business. Assessment of your company confirms where you are today. A clear vision and an honest assessment work hand-in-hand to define the… Continue reading Be Honest: What’s Your Current Position?

5 Steps to Create Your Company’s Vision

Establishing your vision for your business is the first step in developing a solid strategy. Vision is the inspirational engine that drives strategy. Your company’s vision should be a realistic statement of aspiration based on what you are today and what you want to become in the future. It should be practical, targeted, and measurable,… Continue reading 5 Steps to Create Your Company’s Vision

6 Steps to Vary Your Leadership Style

As we discussed in last week’s blog, the most effective leaders recognize when to shift gears and match their leadership style to the needs of the individual or team they are leading and challenges they are facing. Learning when and how to vary your leadership style can be challenging, but there is a systematic approach… Continue reading 6 Steps to Vary Your Leadership Style

Tailor Your Leadership Style for Success

When managing others, each of us practices at least one of the five leadership styles – Bureaucratic, Supportive, Directive, Traditional or Collaborative. These styles can be defined as follows: Bureaucratic: Relies on routine operating policies and procedures to accomplish tasks, while limiting interpersonal interactions. Supportive: Builds harmonious and collaborative relationships among employees, particularly in high-stress… Continue reading Tailor Your Leadership Style for Success