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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Category Archives: Communication

June 14, 2023 5 Signs You Could Benefit From an Online Leadership Course

Last week, we talked about the benefits of taking an online, on-demand leadership course. But how do you know if this is the right path for you? Let’s talk about 5 signs that indicate you could benefit from an on-demand virtual leadership course. You might get more out of this type of course than you think!

1. You’re a first-time manager

Being a manager for the first time can be a daunting experience. You may have been a superstar in your previous role, but managing a team is an entirely different ball game. An online leadership course can help you learn the essential leadership skills you need to be an effective manager, from communication to delegation. As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you don’t know!” This is especially true for first-time managers since they may not have had many opportunities to practice leadership skills in their prior role.

2. You want to improve your communication skills

Effective communication is essential for any manager, but it’s not always easy to master. An online leadership course can teach you how to communicate more clearly and confidently, whether you’re delivering a presentation or having a one-on-one with a team member. Through a leadership course, you can learn tips for active listening, asking the right questions, and providing constructive feedback. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to practice these skills in a safe and supportive environment.

In my online leadership course, I focus on clarity and confidence as two key factors to aid and improve communication.

3. You want to establish trust with your team

One of the most important foundations of effective leadership is trust. For a team to truly trust you, it’s imperative to demonstrate competence, integrity, and authenticity. An online leadership course can help you learn how to build trust with your team members, from setting clear expectations to following through on commitments. You can also learn how to create a culture of psychological safety that encourages open communication and constructive feedback.

4. You struggle with delegation

As a leader, you can’t do everything yourself (as much as you might try to do so!). It’s essential to delegate tasks to team members so you can focus on the big picture. Delegation can be challenging, especially if you’re a perfectionist. An online leadership course can teach you how to delegate effectively, so you can maximize your team’s productivity.

5. You need help navigating difficult situations

All leaders face difficult or sensitive situations from time to time. You might have to engage in a difficult conversation, deliver bad news, or take disciplinary action. Whatever the case, an online leadership course can equip you with the skills you need to navigate these situations with grace and professionalism. Through the course, you can learn how to handle conflict, manage emotions, and make tough decisions.

An online leadership course can be beneficial for individuals in various leadership roles. Whether you’re a first-time manager looking to build fundamental leadership skills or an experienced leader seeking to improve your communication and delegation abilities, an on-demand virtual course can help you develop and refine your leadership skills. Such a course can also help you create a safe and supportive work environment for your team.

Consider taking an online leadership course, such as the 10-Minute Leadership Challenge, to enhance your leadership skills and take your career to the next level.

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 24, 2023 6 Steps to Creating an Environment of Accountability

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

As a leader, it’s important to foster a culture of accountability within your team. Holding your team accountable does not have to come at the expense of compassion or empathy. In fact, heart-led leadership can be very powerful, even when you have to draw a line in the sand at times and hold your people accountable for their words, behaviors, and actions. Here are six steps you can take to create a culture of accountability within your team:

Step 1: Clearly Define Expectations

The first step to creating a culture of accountability is to clearly define expectations. Make sure everyone on your team knows what is expected of them, whether in terms of individual goals or team goals (make sure everyone is on board with a shared vision). This can be done through one-on-one meetings or team meetings where expectations are laid out and discussed.

Step 2: Set SMART Goals

Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals is an effective way to hold your team accountable. These goals should be aligned with company objectives and should be reviewed regularly to ensure progress is being made. The “M” in SMART goals is particularly important because it ensures that progress can be measured and tracked.

Step 3: Provide Ongoing Feedback

Regular feedback is key to holding your team accountable since it allows you to address any issues early on and make adjustments as needed. Make sure to provide both positive and constructive feedback on a regular basis to keep your team on track. This feedback can be given individually or, if appropriate, during team meetings. I usually recommend using the D4 model, which stands for Data, Depth of Feeling, Dramatic Interpretation, and Do. To learn more about this model, view my past blog post on the topic.

Step 4: Lead by Example

As a leader, it’s important to lead by example. This means holding yourself accountable as well as your team. Make sure you are following through on your commitments and are meeting your own goals. This will set the tone for your team and help create a culture of accountability.

Step 5: Encourage Ownership

Encouraging ownership is another effective way to create a culture of accountability. When someone feels like they truly have a stake in a project AND the power to make a significant contribution, they are more likely to take ownership and be accountable for the outcome. Give your team members autonomy and empower them to make decisions and take responsibility for their work.

Step 6: Celebrate Successes

Finally, celebrate successes! Recognize when your team members meet their goals, achieve a milestone, or exceed expectations. This creates a positive team culture and reinforces the importance of accountability. Celebrating successes can be done through verbal recognition, awards, or team outings.

Creating a culture of accountability is key to the success of any team. By following these six steps, you can start creating a culture of accountability that is both compassionate and effective (you can have both!). Foster growth and success for your team and your organization through intelligent accountability practices.

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 26, 2023 Feeling Stuck? Here’s how to make that big decision

Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

Have you ever found yourself at a turning point when you’ve had to make a decision? Maybe that decision was major (switching career paths, moving to a new city) or maybe it was less major but still important (deciding who to invite to a gathering, considering whether to take on a project). Whatever the case, making decisions can be difficult.

When it comes time to choose, we might freeze up and not know which way to turn. Sometimes we end up sticking firmly within our comfort zone, because we’re too nervous to take the plunge and commit to a new course of action.

To get out of a decision-making rut, try tapping into one or more different proven methods to make the best choice possible. Here are five techniques to try:

Map Out Possibilities

When you feel overwhelmed by choice, it can be helpful to create a visual representation of all your options. Mind maps are a great tool for this, as they allow you to see the paths before you in an organized and comprehensive manner. A pros and cons list is another useful tool for sorting out your thoughts and getting an organized view of your options.

Learn how to create an effective mind map by taking look at my past blog post on the topic.

Ask “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?”

When you plan for the worst-case scenario, you can worry less about making a mistake and start to realize that most of the time the consequences of a poor decision are not as dire as you might fear. Ask yourself, “What is the absolute worst outcome?”, and you will be more likely to act with confidence and a clear mind. Additionally, you’ll be better able to prepare for future “What ifs” if you consider possible adverse outcomes.

I’ve written more about this concept in my “How Bad Could It Be?” blog post.

Use the “Best Friend Test”

Before making an important decision, ask yourself, “What would I tell my best friend to do in this scenario?” This is a test author Daniel Pink recommends in a short, informative video. He says that asking this question is effective because it changes the perspective of the scenario. You certainly wouldn’t want to lead your best friend astray, so the advice you give to them should apply to yourself as well.

Journal About It

Writing is a process of self-discovery, and writing about your decision-making process can offer valuable insight into what you truly want. Keep a running log of your thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the issue at hand and explore different angles.

Get Support

When facing a difficult decision, sometimes it helps to turn to a few trusted advisors for input. Ask one or two people you trust for advice, but be careful not to get “advice overload” where you ask too many people about a topic. As with all advice, take these suggestions with a grain of salt.

Making a decision can be hard, but by tapping into different methods and taking a mindful approach, it’s possible to make the best choice. Taking the time to use these techniques can help you gain clarity and make the best choice for yourself.

Good luck and happy decision making!

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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