Sometimes, the universe conspires to make a point – and it does so with a clarity that borders on the incredible. In my case, the universe recently put two parallel experiences in front of me that perfectly captured the power and importance of communication for leaders. I can assure you that these two stories will… Continue reading Two Pilots. Two Delays. Two Very Different Outcomes.
Makarios Consulting Blog
Tag: leadership
Motivation Is an Inside Job
Who owns employee motivation? It’s a good question and an easy one to get wrong because there is a fine line between encouraging employee motivation and owning employee motivation. In our leadership training, we make the point that the leader’s job is to create an environment that sets the stage for team members to be… Continue reading Motivation Is an Inside Job
Leadership Courage Part 6: Building Trust
At first glance, building trust does not seem like it would require leadership courage. Yet, it does. Here is why: trust, at its core, is a combination of competence, integrity, and empathy. Competence is necessary because to be a trustworthy leader your followers need to know that you know what you are doing. Integrity is… Continue reading Leadership Courage Part 6: Building Trust
Leadership Courage Part 5: Giving (Tough) Redirecting Feedback
Feedback is perhaps the single most powerful tool a leader has at his or her disposal to bring about significant improvement in employee engagement and performance. Ken Blanchard wisely noted, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” That being said, most leaders avoid giving redirecting feedback – feedback that seeks to change negative behavior or performance… Continue reading Leadership Courage Part 5: Giving (Tough) Redirecting Feedback
Leadership Courage Part 4: Setting a Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal
Businesses around the world are indebted to James Collins and Jerry Porras for giving us the concept of the “BHAG” – a “big, hairy, audacious goal.” BHAGs have been instrumental in challenging and changing businesses for the better for years. BHAGs are stretch goals: specific in nature, long-term in timeframe, and transformative in outcome. It… Continue reading Leadership Courage Part 4: Setting a Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal
Leadership Courage Part 3: Tackling the Tough Issues
Imagine you are walking along and see an old, empty paint can in the road. Do you pick it up and throw it into the nearest dumpster – or, do you kick it down the road? Most corporate teams, if they answered the metaphorical question honestly, would admit that they tend to kick the can… Continue reading Leadership Courage Part 3: Tackling the Tough Issues