Assumption (noun): a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof –Oxford Dictionary Every day we make assumptions in life. About someone’s intentions. About what we think people expect. And we’re usually wrong. In the workplace, making assumptions instead of clearly communicating often causes unnecessary strife and resentment among colleagues.… Continue reading Assume Nothing: Start Talking!
Makarios Consulting Blog
Tag: effective leadership
The Big Talk: When All Else Fails
You’ve tried to set boundaries. You’ve proposed potential solutions and workarounds. But the Micromanager is still, well, micromanaging. Before you write that resignation letter or – we don’t recommend this – quit on the spot, we suggest you try a few additional options. Every situation is different. Maybe you’re in your dream company in a… Continue reading The Big Talk: When All Else Fails
Stare Down the Elephants
As a business leader, you likely make complex decisions on a daily basis about your company’s bottom line, where your next piece of business is coming from, and how you stack up against the competition. Often, as leaders, we have no problem tackling difficult issues, with one exception: people. Tough people issues can become “Elephants… Continue reading Stare Down the Elephants
I’ll Text You Next Year
Forget quarterly and annual reviews. In today’s workplace, it’s all about instant feedback. Millennials have learned to expect instant responses to texts and very quick turnaround on Internet searches. As they populate the workplace in greater numbers, leaders need to learn how to engage their employees by providing regular feedback about performance much more frequently… Continue reading I’ll Text You Next Year
Affirmation: Thanks for Your Contribution
Good job. Nice work. Affirmation is the least used, yet most powerful, motivating tool we have. It only takes a moment to thank and appreciate a contribution from a colleague. Yet, sadly, we often don’t take the time to do it. In survey after survey in companies across America, fewer than 30% of employees characterize… Continue reading Affirmation: Thanks for Your Contribution
Do You Hear Me?
Listening well is the essential first step to effective communication. If we truly hear what others are saying, we are communicating effectively and connecting to those around us. How many times have we thought we communicated effectively with someone, only to find out they didn’t hear a word we said? We might think we’ve communicated… Continue reading Do You Hear Me?