Category Archives: Teamwork
May 11, 2016 The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers [TED Talk]
“Originals are not that different from the rest of us. They feel fear and doubt, they procrastinate, they have bad ideas. And sometimes it’s not in spite of those qualities, but because of them that they succeed.” -Adam Grant
One of the great lessons I learned from Adam Grant’s recent TED Talk is that we shouldn’t write off people who have unconventional work styles or ways of doing things. Many inventive, creative people do not like to think linearly or complete tasks in step-by-step ways. Instead, they work best when they are given time to explore many different avenues or even step away from the task-at-hand for a while.
On the surface, this might seem like procrastination or a lack of motivation, but it is a part of many people’s creative process. Grant says, “Procrastination gives you time to consider divergent ideas, to think in nonlinear ways, to make unexpected leaps.”
Another thing original thinkers have in common: they have failures. They often explore many different routes before landing on a great idea. As Grant articulates, “The greatest originals are the ones who fail the most because they’re the ones who try the most.”
It’s like playing a game of darts. If you just keep making throws, you’ll likely hit your mark eventually.
As a leader, try to recognize the traits of original thinkers on your team and encourage their creativity and ingenuity.
And if you’re an original thinker? Embrace it! Realize that you might work differently than others, but your way of doing things probably works best for you.
To watch the full TED Talk (which I highly recommend), please click below.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS®DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, FOUNDER OF UXL, AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TAG TEAM. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. YOU CAN VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.YOUEXCELNOW.COM
Tags: adam grant Ted talk originals, career coach Margaret Smith, creative thinkers, habits of original thinkers, leading creative thinkers, leading creatives, original thinkers, original thinkers adam grant, thinking creatively, UXL career coaching
March 2, 2016 Insights Discovery Changes Everything
A couple months ago, I spent some time teaching the basic principles of Insights® Discovery to some people in a nonprofit leadership program. If you’re not familiar with Insights® Discovery, it’s essentially a program that helps people understand themselves better and, by extension, understand others. Insights® generally helps improve communication, team dynamics, self-confidence, and leadership.
I’ve seen some amazing transformations with inter-person communication and understanding in many organizations, including the nonprofit leadership program I mentioned earlier. When I went to their “graduation party” this past week, I was stunned. The 30 or so individuals that I coached had markedly improved their communication and teamwork and they attributed it to Insights®. In fact, the entire room was decorated with the four Insights® colors (which represent the four distinct “color energies”–more on that HERE).
When the presentation started, many references were made to Insights® and how it has helped their team work together harmoniously to achieve great things. Now, THAT is what every Insights® Licensed Practitioner (like myself) likes to hear!
Could your workplace use a little more cohesiveness and communication? It could be that Insights® Discovery is just the ticket! Let’s talk.
Three benefits that Insights Discovery brings
Gift bags in the color of each person’s leading color energy
Insights-themed masks
The group!
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, INSIGHTS®DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, FOUNDER OF UXL, AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TAG TEAM. YOU CAN VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.YOUEXCELNOW.COM
Tags: better communication, better team dynamics, career coach Margaret Smith, Insights Discovery, insights discovery difference, Insights Discovery Team, insights discovery transformation
November 25, 2015 Looking for a Breakthrough? (all about Insights Deeper Discovery)
After last weeks’ successful Insights Deeper Discovery workshop, I am eager to bring this innovative and empowering program to anyone and everyone who is undergoing a transition or is feeling in need of guidance.
You may be familiar with Insights® Discovery. It’s a program based off the principles of renown psychiatrist Carl Jung that uses a four-color model to talk about our individual capabilities and challenges. This model can be used to capitalize on personal strengths, overcome challenges, and communicate better with those around you. As an Insights® Licensed Practitioner, I’ve personally seen some astonishing transformations (both individually and office-wide). Suddenly, people start opening up in ways they never have and allow themselves to flourish and grow.
This is why I’m excited to announce that Insights® Discovery now has a new, more in-depth model that builds off the basic principles of Insights®. Even if you’ve never been through the original program, this new model helps foster growth and development in your career, personal life, communication skills, and interactions with others.
What is Deeper Discovery?
Deeper Discovery is a continuation of the Insights® Discovery journey. Using Archetypes of Discovery as a lens (more about that on the Insights® website), individuals and teams embark upon a journey of improved self-understanding. Through use of the new Deeper Discovery wheel, participants discover their potential in engaging and memorable ways and apply their learning to the workplace and life.
Unlock Individual & Team Potential
Build on the simple and accessible Insights® Discovery model.
Explore individual, team, and leadership effectiveness.
Enhance a long-term program of development.
Develop a profound level of self-understanding to transform your life and your work.
Understand what drives and motivates others. Become a more authentic and inspiring leader.
Sound Like Something You’d Like To Explore?
Great! I’ve partnered with Dr. Jean Davidson to put on several Deeper Discovery workshops. You can find more information on our Intentional Discovery Website, or you can contact me directly with questions.
Let’s discover your best you!
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, FOUNDER OF UXL, AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TAG TEAM. YOU CAN VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.YOUEXCELNOW.COM
Tags: Deeper discovery workshop, Dr. Jean Davidson, Insights Deeper Discovery, Insights Deeper Discovery Workshops, Insights Licensed Practitioners, Intentional Discovery, Margaret Smith, Minneapolis Insights Practitioners, Personal and business breakthroughs
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