Category Archives: Thrive at Work
August 21, 2024 How Sitting Still Can Be Productive
We live in a culture that rewards “go getters” and highly motivated people. We expect quick turnarounds and instantaneous results. Because of our fast-paced world, we tend to equate productivity with action. Send off a couple hundred emails, make advances in your project, attend that after-work networking event—all this activity can seem like progress and productivity…but is it?
Sometimes, work for work’s sake can actually be counterproductive. If, for example, you never pause to consider your trajectory, you might inadvertently head in the wrong direction (OR you might neglect to consider an alternative path you could take).
Additionally, if you never take time to rest and recharge, you may end up burning out. We all have a limited capacity in our “personal batteries.” If you’re barreling forward without the occasional pause, you risk depleting those reserves and being unable to perform at your best.
Taking time to sit still, reflect, and recharge can actually make you more productive in the long run. It allows you to gain perspective, identify areas for improvement, and come back to your work with renewed energy and focus. Embracing moments of stillness and contemplation can be a powerful tool for enhancing your productivity and achieving your goals.
Here are a few ideas to help you remember to pause, reflect, and perhaps re-strategize before moving forward:
Schedule Regular Reflection Time
Set aside a recurring block of time, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes, to pause and reflect on your progress, challenges, and next steps. This could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Consider jotting your ideas in a notebook or a Google doc.
Practice Mindfulness
Incorporate mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing to help you be present and attentive to your thoughts and feelings. This can provide clarity and perspective.
Seek Outside Perspectives
Talk to a mentor, colleague, or trusted friend about your work. Getting an outside viewpoint can reveal blind spots or uncover new possibilities.
Take Breaks
Regularly step away from your work to give your mind a chance to rest and recharge. Even short breaks to stretch, go for a walk, or engage in a hobby can help you return to your tasks with renewed energy and focus.
Embrace Solitude
Carve out time for solitude, whether it’s a quiet morning routine or an evening without distractions. Use this time to reflect, journal, or simply allow your mind to wander without the pressure of productivity.
By incorporating these practices, you can create space for productive contemplation and self-reflection. This can help you gain clarity, identify areas for growth, and approach your work with renewed purpose and focus. Remember, true productivity is not about constant motion, but about strategically pausing, reflecting, and then taking purposeful action. Embrace the power of stillness to enhance your overall productivity and achieve your goals more effectively.
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.
Tags: intentional breaks and productivity, Margaret Smith coaching, Margaret Smith Twin Cities, rest and productivity, sitting still and productivity, sitting still productive, take break productivity
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Thrive at Work
August 14, 2024 Remember to Laugh (using humor as a tool)
The world can be a serious place. Whether you’re dealing with personal or familial problems, or thinking about the world at large, troubles seem to abound. Everywhere we turn, we’re bombarded with bad news about politics, crime, the environment, and on and on. And all these hardships and worries can seriously test our resilience.
What to do? Of course, there are proactive measure you can take to better your personal circumstances or to make a positive contribution to your community, nation, or world. You could volunteer, donate, take classes (or share your own skills), etc., etc.
While those proactive steps are wonderful, you may not feel like being so active and involved every single day. Some days, you simply need to take care of yourself—your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Aside from the basics (eating healthy meals, exercising, getting enough sleep), one way to boost your resilience is to have a good laugh.
While it may sound simplistic, laughter really can be the best medicine. It can make us feel lighter and happier. It can give us mental clarity, or help us forge connections with those around us. Even during our toughest, darkest periods, laughter can ease our pain or enable us to cope with grief, anxiety, or heartache.
In addition to mental and emotional benefits, laughter can also provide physical benefits. In a Psychology Today article, researcher and author Robyne Hanley-Dafoe says, “Laughter is the body’s natural painkiller, allowing the body to release endorphins.” She goes on to say, “In the shorter term, it activates and releases your stress response and soothes away built-up tension. In the long term, research suggests laughter improves our immune system, relieves pain in the moment, and increases our pain threshold.”
How can you seek more opportunities to include laughter in your life? I suggest any of the following:
Stop Taking Life So Seriously
Everyone makes mistakes, has occasional bad luck, or goes through difficult times. But try not to be so hard on yourself. Laugh at your own foibles and find the humor in life’s absurdities. If you can, try to find the funny side of situations and let the little annoyances slide.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Some people seem dead-set on being miserable, and they (unfortunately) can be very good at making others miserable as well. Do your best to distance yourself from this type of person. Instead, surround yourself with people who will make you laugh, provide a healthy dose of positivity, and who can see the lighter side of life.
Seek Humorous Entertainment
Whether it’s a comedy show, a funny movie, or a witty podcast, try seeking entertainment that will make you laugh. Laughter is contagious, so surrounding yourself with humorous content can boost your mood and outlook. Additionally, reading or watching something lighthearted can provide a much-needed mental break from the stresses of daily life.
Have Perspective
If you bombed your PowerPoint presentation or accidentally left your car window open in the rain, that can be annoying or embarrassing, but is it really the end of the world? Instead of dwelling too much on small mishaps, try to step back and gain some perspective. Will this matter in a week? A month? A year? Putting things into that larger context can help you avoid getting bogged down by minor issues. Instead, you can learn from your mistakes, move forward, and find the humor in the situation.
In the face of life’s challenges, don’t forget to make time for laughter. Laughter is a powerful tool that can boost your resilience and help you weather life’s storms. By making a proactive effort to laugh more and not take life so seriously, you can cultivate a mindset that helps you better navigate life’s challenges.
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.
Tags: benefits of laughter, humor during tough times, laugh at work, Margaret Smith life coach, Margaret Smith Minneapolis career coach, remember to laugh, the power of laughter
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Thrive at Work
June 26, 2024 How to Establish Communication Expectations
Have you ever worked with someone who is a notoriously poor communicator? Perhaps they often do not reply to emails, their expectations are unclear, or they come across as brusque or unapproachable. When communication is lacking, that can affect all aspects of the work environment and result in misunderstandings or delays. To establish effective communication expectations, it’s important to set clear guidelines from the start.
Here are 5 ways to improve communication standards in the workplace:
Define Communication Channels
When working with someone, it’s a good idea to inquire about their preferred communication methods. While email might seem like the go-to method, some people prefer the directness of a phone call or the brevity of a text or Slack message. In some cases (as with major or complex projects), in-person communication might even be best. By understanding others’ preferred communication methods, you can streamline processes and reduce the risk of miscommunication. Furthermore, having clarity on how and when to use each communication method can enhance efficiency and productivity within the workplace.
Set Response Time Expectations
Setting expectations for response times can help manage others’ expectations and prevents misunderstandings due to delayed responses. While it may seem strange, at first, to set these expectations, they can actually be enormously helpful for both parties. Approach this tactfully, saying something like, “Since I would like to move on to the next phase of the project by Friday, I would very much appreciate your response by Thursday afternoon.” Additionally, establishing guidelines for urgent communications versus non-urgent ones can aid in prioritizing tasks effectively.
Address Non-Communication and Poor Communication
When someone is repeatedly non-responsive or has trouble clearly and concisely communicating their thoughts, it can be a good idea to address the issue directly. Try offering feedback or guidance on how to improve their communication skills. Providing examples of misunderstandings or delays caused by poor communication can help illustrate the importance of effective communication. By addressing these issues promptly and constructively, you can prevent further communication breakdowns in the future.
Encourage Feedback
Encourage feedback from team members about the communication processes in place. By regularly seeking input and suggestions for improvement, you can foster a culture of open communication and continuous refinement. Creating opportunities for constructive feedback can enhance overall communication standards and ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. This feedback loop can also help identify any recurring issues or challenges in communication, allowing for proactive solutions to be implemented.
Lead by Example
If you expect excellent communication from others, it is essential to lead by example. Demonstrating strong communication skills, such as active listening, clarity in messages, and timely responses, sets the tone for others to follow. Consistency in your communication style can help establish trust and credibility among your colleagues. By practicing good communication habits and showing respect for others’ time and preferences, you contribute to a positive communication culture within the workplace. Remember, effective communication is a two-way street that requires active participation from all parties involved.
Communication can, quite literally, make or break an organization. When you take the time to set communication expectations and address communication issues directly, you set the stage for a more productive and harmonious work environment. Remember that effective communication is an ongoing process that requires attention and adaptation. By prioritizing clear and respectful communication, you can build stronger relationships, enhance teamwork, and ultimately contribute to the overall success of the organization.
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.
Tags: better communication at work, establish communication expectations, improve communication at work, improve communication with co-workers, margaret smith career coach, Margaret Smith licensed Insights practitioner
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