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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Category Archives: Thrive at Work

September 6, 2023 Bringing a Back-to-School Mentality to the Workplace

If you’ve been in the same job for a while, things can start to feel a little routine, or even a little stale. Most of us probably interact with the same people, do the same—or similar—set of tasks, and work the same hours. When we get in a rut like this, our energy levels can drop like a rock. We might feel depleted, unmotivated, or disengaged. We might begin procrastinating because we’re not enthusiastic about the work in front of us.

How can we get out of this rut and re-energize ourselves? How can we overcome the workplace blahs? One approach is bringing a “back-to-school mentality” to the workplace. You know how little kids can be so enthusiastic to start a new school year? They might be excited to see their friends, interact with teachers, or learn something new. THAT is the mentality I’m encouraging you to embrace. Here are 6 ways to do it.

Get Refocused

When we start something new, we’re usually highly engaged with it. At a new job, we spend our early days getting to know the workplace, the people, the expectations, and the job itself. We’re focused on what we’re doing, and we’re more likely to be present.

I know it can be difficult to recapture your spark for your job, but what if you took a week to do any or all of the following?

  • Try to be more present
  • Remember the fun and challenging parts of your job
  • Appreciate the positive aspects of your work
  • Recognize the good in your co-workers

As the year draws to a close, getting refocused is a positive and productive way to enter the fourth quarter (Q4).

Approach work with fresh eyes

As a kid, when you head back to school, you’re faced with a lot of things that are brand new. You probably have new teachers, new subjects to learn, and perhaps new people to meet. All this newness helps kids to be adaptable and open-minded. They’re willing to try new things and approach their studies with fresh eyes.

To bring this mentality to the workplace, try to cultivate a sense of novelty and curiosity. Look for opportunities to learn something new or take on different tasks. Challenge yourself to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.

Set goals and track progress

In school, students often have clear goals to work towards. Whether it’s earning good grades, participating in extracurricular activities, or preparing for college, there’s always something to strive for. These goals give students a sense of direction and purpose.

Similarly, setting goals at work can help bring back that excitement and motivation. Think about what you want to achieve in your job and break it down into smaller, actionable steps. Create a plan and set deadlines for yourself. As you make progress towards your goals, track your achievements and celebrate your successes.

Ask good questions

Just like a good student, it’s helpful to show up to work with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to learn. You don’t know everything, and that’s okay! That’s why it’s important to ask good questions, especially when you’re in meetings. I cover ways to gain more clarity through poignant questions in this blog post (which also includes a video).

Read

In school, we have many opportunities to read (whether textbooks or novels in English class), and many kids tend to read on their own. But as an adult, reading can become a low priority. That’s unfortunate because reading is a great way to expand your knowledge and stimulate your mind. It can also help you stay updated on industry trends and developments.

Consider incorporating reading into your daily routine. Set aside some time each day to read books, articles, or blogs related to your field or other areas of interest. You can also join book clubs or online forums to engage in discussions and share insights with others.

Socialize

One of the best parts of going back to school is reconnecting with friends and classmates after a long break. The social aspect of school can be uplifting and energizing.

To bring this element into your workplace, make an effort to connect with your colleagues. Take the time to have coffee or lunch together, engage in conversation, or collaborate on projects.

By adopting a back-to-school mentality and implementing these strategies, you can infuse new energy and enthusiasm into your work. Don’t be afraid to embrace the excitement of learning, setting goals, asking questions, and exploring new ideas. Keep growing and evolving in your professional journey.

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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July 26, 2023 4 Unique Challenges for Female Leaders (and how to overcome them)

Since the start of my career, women have made incredible strides in the workplace. They are CEOs, leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators. They have fought for greater recognition, higher pay, and better opportunities. But despite our achievements, we still have a long way to go to truly achieve gender equality in the working world.

Let’s talk about 4 workplace challenges that are unique to women and how to overcome them. This article is meant to both empower female workers and increase awareness for male employees so they can become better advocates and allies.

Being Heard

It’s great to have a place at the table, but it doesn’t do much good if your thoughts and ideas are never heard. Women often complain of being interrupted or talked over during meetings. In some cases, their ideas may be initially dismissed but later stolen by a male colleague. Stacey Vanek Smith, author of Machiavelli for Women, says, “Getting interrupted is a small thing, but it’s also a powerful symbol of status in a workplace. On a more practical note, being heard is key to everything. If nobody hears your ideas, how are you going to get those ideas off the ground?”

What to do?

I have found that one of the best ways to bounce back from an interruption is to react right away. If a colleague cuts you off, speak up and say something to the effect of, “Hold that thought, Mike. I’m eager to hear your ideas, but I wasn’t quite finished. As I was saying…”

This approach keeps the interaction positive while turning the attention back on you.

If the interruptions are consistent and it’s difficult to handle them on your own, consider enlisting the support of an ally. This person can interject on your behalf with something like, “Just a sec, Mike. I liked what Gloria was saying and I don’t think she was quite finished. Did you have something to add, Gloria?” Strength in numbers really does work.

Getting Passed Over for Promotion

Though the number of women in leadership roles has increased over the past few decades, they are still underrepresented. According to a 2022 McKinsey survey, for every 100 men promoted to a first-level management position, only 87 women are promoted. And the discrepancy is even worse as we climb the ranks. As of this year, only 10 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women…and that’s a new record high. Far too often, women are passed over for promotion because of unconscious bias or because they are not assertive enough in promoting themselves.

What to do?

If you feel you are being passed over for a promotion, take a hard look at your performance and track record. If you truly are excelling in your role, seek out feedback from your manager and ask what you need to do to make yourself a strong candidate for promotion. Be assertive in selling your accomplishments and the value you bring to the company.

It’s also important to have mentors and sponsors who can advocate on your behalf and provide guidance on career development. Seek out women in leadership positions and build these relationships.

Balancing Work and Family

Women often face the challenge of balancing work and family responsibilities. This can be especially difficult when there are no policies in place to support work-life balance. Women are often the primary caregivers for children and elderly relatives, and this can make it difficult to balance a demanding career with family responsibilities.

What to do?

One of the most important things you can do is communicate with your employer about your needs. Ask about flexible work arrangements such as part-time work, job sharing, or telecommuting. If these options are not available, consider negotiating a flexible schedule that allows you to adjust your hours or work from home when necessary.

It’s also helpful to build a support system outside of work that can help you manage family responsibilities. This can include family members, friends, or professional resources such as daycare providers.

Receiving Lower Pay

The gender pay gap has closed somewhat in recent years, but it still exists. The Department of Labor reports that women are paid 83.7 percent of what men are paid, and that figure is even worse for women of color. Even when a woman has the exact same job title and responsibilities as a male counterpart, she is often paid less. This can be frustrating and demotivating, but there are steps you can take to address this issue.

What to do?

If you suspect you are being paid less than your male counterparts, do some research to find out what others in your industry with similar experience and qualifications are being paid. Use this information to negotiate for a higher salary.

It’s also important to speak up about pay disparities and advocate for yourself and your colleagues. Don’t be afraid to have candid conversations with your employer or HR representative about this issue. Organizations that are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion should be willing to address pay disparities and take steps to close the gender pay gap.

It’s important for women to be proactive in addressing the challenges they face. This includes being assertive in meetings, seeking out feedback and mentorship, communicating with employers about work-life balance, and advocating for fair pay. By taking these steps, women can work towards achieving greater equity and success in the workplace. Remember, progress takes time and effort, but it’s worth it—both for your wellbeing and to pave the way for future generations.

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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