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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Category Archives: Advice from a Life Coach

May 22, 2024 4 Steps To Find Your Perfect Mentor

With any job, we all rely on guidance from our supervisors and peers to learn the ropes and develop new strategies for accomplishing tasks. If you’re starting at a new company, taking on a new role, or endeavoring to learn new skills, a mentor can be an incredibly valuable asset.

A mentor (or coach, or guide) can stretch your abilities, introduce you to new people, or connect you with relevant resources. Their experience and expertise are resources as valuable as any skill in your personal toolbox. But finding the right person for the role can be challenging. As you begin your search, you may find a few of these strategies useful:

1. Identify your process and values

As we grow, we try out and exchange work habits and strategies to make ourselves more effective. Finding a mentor who speaks to you starts with understanding yourself and how you work. What are the values that drive you? How do they translate to the type of work you do and which projects or responsibilities you’d like to take on?  What are the pain points and blind spots of your working style that others may need to accommodate for or address? These questions are important to ask and reflect upon when seeking a mentor. Knowing their answers to some degree will help when approaching others for help.

2. Look across disciplines

Everybody brings a unique mix of experience and ability to the table in an organization. A person’s job description doesn’t always tell you everything about the perspective they bring or their ability to teach. If you are worried or intimidated by reaching out to folks in your own department, making connections outside your usual circle and observing how people attack problems may shed a learning light you never considered before.

3. Establish rapport

Mentors are not always our closest friends, but a good mentor will be someone who respects your goals and spends time to observe and understand your learning process. Get to know folks who’ve joined the team before you and communicate your respect for their role and the work they’ve done. If you’re not familiar with these details, friendly chats over lunch or coffee can provide a way to accrue insight casually and over an extended period of time.

4. Develop yourself and network

Professional associations often offer conferences and seminars to learn the ropes of new skills or discuss innovations within a given industry. If you feel like your office lacks the means to provide the guidance you seek, attend trainings and make connections – either with fellow learners or the speakers. Handing out business cards and picking someone’s brain for 15 minutes may be all it takes to find a new teacher.

Finding a mentor isn’t always easy, but the returns for your efforts can be transformative. Keep an open mind, and be honest with yourself if you aren’t getting what you need on the first attempt. If you keep at it, often the right guidance is never too far away . Stay positive and start your search. There’s no time like the present!

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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May 8, 2024 6 Characteristics of a Problem Solver

A version of this blog post was published in July, 2019.

At times, problems will take care of themselves…but we certainly can’t count on that. In order to move the needle, put out “fires,” or add a little innovation to the workplace, it’s important to take charge of your destiny and be a problem solver.

Being a problem solver can be highly rewarding. Rather than either A) Sitting around and waiting for things to resolve themselves or B) Counting on others to solve your problems, it’s better to take a proactive approach. For one, the problems you’re facing may not resolve on their own. Or, they may not resolve themselves in the way you want. If you take “approach B” and let others solve problems for you, you lose crucial opportunities to learn and grow. Not to mention, your fate (or the fate of a project) will always be in others’ hands, beyond your control.

It is much better (and often more reliable) to be proactive and attempt to solve problems yourself. That doesn’t mean you have to go about problem solving on your own. The most adept problem solvers use whatever resources (human or otherwise) at their disposal.

Work on becoming a problem solver in your workplace! Focus on building the following six traits:

1. Be Courageous

Some risk may be involved in finding solutions to sub-optimal situations. You might have to speak up, contact your superiors, or tap into uncharted territory. Be courageous, knowing that you’ll be learning valuable skills, no matter the outcome.

2. Adapt

Not every solution is going to keep you squarely within your comfort zone. Be prepared to be flexible.

3. Innovate

Think outside the box! The best solutions may be paths you have not yet explored in your workplace. Look to other industries or unlikely sources for problem-solving inspiration.

4. Be Resourceful

Don’t be afraid to seek help. Online research, your HR department, co-workers, or your professional connections could be sources of advice or inspiration for you.

5. Build Unity

If a problem is affecting an entire department or group of people, it pays to rally the troops and get everyone working toward solving your mutual issue. You know what they say about several heads being better than one!

6. Be Vocal

Silence is the worst way to deal with a sticky issue. Refusing to address a problem with open communication will only suppress it or force people to talk about it in whispers.

Embrace your courageous, vocal, innovative, and adaptive sides! Rally the troops and use whatever resources are available to you. Be a proactive problem solver, and you’ll gain a better handle on your future. Not only that, you’ll also develop valuable skills along the way and likely gain recognition from your superiors as someone who is unafraid to face problems head-on.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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April 24, 2024 How to Stand Out (in a good way!)

In my experience, promotions, raises, and accolades are given to those who stand out in a good way. There are plenty of ways to stand out that are not necessarily positive or helpful to the company. And then there’s the opposite phenomenon: blending in. Those who are forgettable or who do the bare minimum are rarely first in line for promotions or pay raises. In short, it’s a balancing act.

How do you stand out in the right ways? How can you catch the attention of your company’s decision-makers and leaders? Here are 6 potential approaches:

Ask Good Questions

In my experience, asking good questions does not show weakness or a lack of knowledge. Rather, it demonstrates engagement and a sense of curiosity. You might ask questions to clarify something (e.g., a follow-up question at a meeting), to involve others in the conversation (“What if we had Teresa take a look?”), and as a way to spark an engaged group discussion. Those who are engaged (and who lead discussions) get noticed.

Seek Self Improvement

If you’re aiming for a promotion, consider pursuing projects that challenge you and expand your abilities. Seek out mentorship opportunities, online courses, or workshops to enhance your knowledge base and grow as a professional. By consistently striving for self-improvement and demonstrating a commitment to your own development, you’ll not only stand out in the eyes of decision-makers within your organization but also position yourself as a valuable asset for future advancement opportunities.

Create Waves…Without Capsizing the Boat

There are tactful ways to make positive changes in an organization, and get noticed in the process. Before endeavoring to make a major change, it is wise to be thoughtful and considerate of others’ viewpoints. Seek feedback from colleagues and stakeholders to refine your ideas before jumping in with both feet. Remember, the key is to create waves that propel the organization forward without causing disruption that may negatively impact team dynamics or overall performance.

Seek Advocates and Sponsors

While a mentor can help you grow and develop your skills, an advocate or sponsor can help you land your next promotion. These are people who can actively vouch for your abilities and support your career advancement by recommending you for opportunities within the organization. Building strong relationships with advocates and sponsors can significantly boost your visibility and credibility, making you more likely to be considered for key projects or roles. Seek out individuals who believe in your potential and are willing to champion your growth within the company. Networking and fostering these connections can be instrumental in your professional journey.

Communicate Tactfully

Your communication habits matter. In general, company leadership appreciates those who tactfully relay their ideas, opinions, or grievances. Conversely, no one likes a gossiper or a complainer. Understand the effect or impact it can have on your professional image. Whether sharing ideas, offering feedback, or addressing concerns, remember to do so tactfully and professionally.

Innovate and Get Creative

When you bring innovation and creativity to your work, you set yourself apart from the crowd. Whether it’s proposing new ideas, finding more efficient processes, or introducing unique solutions to challenges, being a creative thinker can capture the attention of decision-makers. Embrace opportunities to think outside the box, experiment with new approaches, and showcase your ability to generate fresh insights. Being an innovator not only establishes your skills but also demonstrates your potential for driving positive change within the organization.

Taking intentional steps to stand out in a positive light can significantly impact your career trajectory. By taking a few meaningful and strategic steps, you can position yourself as a valuable asset within your organization. Remember, standing out for the right reasons requires a balance of skill, strategy, and genuine commitment to professional growth.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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