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“Creating Successful Leaders”

September 13, 2023 Mastering Time Management: Tips for Boosting Productivity

We’ve all been there. There’s a deadline looming ahead of us, or a work project that we really need to start…but we log into social media instead and start scrolling. Or we check the news. Or we get distracted by daily life (the laundry needs to be done, the kids have school and sports, the dog needs a vet appointment), which can derail us even more.

With so many things vying for our attention—both entertainment and little tasks—how can we boost our focus and get the things done at the TOP of our to-do lists? How can we practice better time management and boost overall productivity?

Here are five ways…

Opt for Airplane Mode

If social media or online browsing is your weakness, try to do whatever work you can in airplane mode (yes, your laptop has this function too). This will give you a measure of control over mindless scrolling and help you to solely focus on the task at hand.

Set a Timer

An excellent productivity method is to use timers to do “work sprints.” Set the timer for a short amount of time (say, half an hour or even twenty minutes) and focus on ONE task until the timer beeps. Do not multitask or stray from what you’re doing. These short bursts of concentrated work can help you stay focused and productive.

Prioritize Tasks

Make a to-do list and prioritize the tasks based on their importance and deadline. Start with the most critical tasks first and work your way down the list. By focusing on the most important tasks, you can ensure your time is spent efficiently and effectively.

Eliminate Distractions

Identify potential distractions in your environment and take steps to eliminate or minimize them. This could involve turning off notifications on your phone, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, or finding a quiet workspace where you can concentrate without interruptions. If you’re working at home, it’s a good idea to go into a room and close the door to separate yourself from the rest of the house (and all the housework that’s waiting for you!). This sends the signal to yourself (and anyone else at home) that it’s work time, and you’re about to dig in.

Take Breaks

While it may seem counterintuitive, taking regular breaks can actually improve your productivity. Research has shown that short breaks during work can help recharge your brain and prevent burnout. So, get up and stretch, practice a little yoga, take a walk, or enjoy a cup of tea—whatever will help you relax and detach for a few minutes. Then, once you’re feeling refreshed, you can tackle your work with renewed energy.

Bonus Tip: Use the Pomodoro Technique

This technique is another effective method for managing time and boosting productivity. This technique involves breaking your work into intervals called “pomodoros,” typically 25 minutes long, with short breaks in between. After completing a set number of pomodoros, you can take a longer break. This method helps you maintain focus and prevents burnout by providing regular breaks.

By implementing these strategies and making them a part of your daily routine, you can improve your time management skills and increase your overall productivity. Remember, it may take some trial and error to find the methods that work best for you, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust as needed. Good luck on your productivity 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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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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August 30, 2023 Compassionate Leadership: Balancing Empathy with Accountability

When it comes to leadership, don’t mistake kindness for weakness. It is still possible (and often more effective) to lead with your heart, as well as your head. Compassionate leadership is NOT about giving in to everyone’s whims, going easy on deadlines, or letting subpar work slide. It’s not about letting people slack off whenever they please. Rather, it’s about empathizing with your team, communicating openly, and building a mutual understanding and a plan that works for everyone.

You can practice compassionate leadership while setting firm standards and boundaries. We’re not talking about soft leadership; we’re talking about heart-led leadership. There’s a huge difference.

How do you achieve compassionate leadership while still maintaining a strong leadership presence? How can you balance heart-led decisions with practical, data- and strategy-driven decisions? It may seem like a tricky balancing act, but there are several steps you can take to start practicing compassionate, yet strong, leadership. Let’s talk about 4 ways to get started…

Get to Know Your Team

You may think you know your team members, but how well do you really know them? Do you know if someone is caring for a sick parent or raising young kids? Is someone struggling with chronic health issues? Or mental health afflictions? Is someone going through a divorce? Or facing biases or microaggressions in the workplace?

Once you know what a person is going through, you can be more empathetic with their situation and begin offering them the appropriate resources. Maybe they would benefit from a more flexible schedule, or talking with a mental health professional, or joining an Employee Resource Group (ERG). Whatever the case, you can help be a conduit for their success.

Establish Trust

It is difficult to get to know your team members on a deeper level if you do not take the time to establish trust. In my experience, one of the best ways to do this is by engaging in regular one-on-one conversations with each team member. Use this time to listen to their ideas, provide feedback, and offer support where needed. By doing this consistently, you can build rapport with your team and show them that you are invested in their success. Additionally, be transparent about your decisions and why you are making them. This will help your team understand your thought processes and trust that you have their best interests at heart.

Communicate Effectively

Communication is key in any type of leadership, but it’s especially important when practicing compassionate leadership. Make sure you are communicating frequently and clearly with your team. This includes not only giving feedback and direction, but also actively listening to your team members. When they feel heard and understood, they are more likely to feel valued and motivated to work towards common goals. Additionally, consider using different communication methods to reach team members with different preferences or needs. For example, some team members may prefer in-person meetings while others may prefer email or instant messaging.

Effective communication also entails setting clear expectations. Make sure your team knows exactly what is expected of them and what success looks like. Set regular check-ins to ensure everyone is on the same page and that progress is being made. If expectations are not being met, have an open conversation about why that is, then work together to identify ways to improve.

Lead by Example

Compassionate leadership starts at the top. As a leader, you have the responsibility to model the behaviors and values you want to see in your team. This means demonstrating empathy, kindness, and respect in all your interactions with team members and colleagues. It also means being accountable for your actions and decisions, and admitting when you make mistakes. When you lead by example, you set the tone for the entire team and create a culture of compassion and trust. Remember that your team is paying attention to your actions, so make sure you are modeling the behaviors you want to see in them.

Compassionate leadership is about balancing empathy and kindness with setting clear expectations and maintaining accountability. Too often, we show up for work, do whatever tasks need to be done, and sign off for the day without pausing to think about the people around us. Take the time to get to know them, practice some empathy, and focus on clear communications. Your leadership actions can create a culture of positivity and accountability that will benefit everyone on your team, including yourself.

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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