July 12, 2023 Unlocking the Power of Visual Communication (4 Ways)
There’s a reason blockbuster action movies make your pulse quicken, or Pixar animations can make you teary-eyed. Images can have an impact, and visual storytelling can be powerful. In the movie Wall-E, the main character is a robot who doesn’t really speak (aside from chirps and whistles), and yet we feel empathy for this machine.
Fortunately, you don’t have to work in an animation studio to communicate effectively in a visual medium. Here are four ways to make your work more visual (and powerful!):
Cut Words from Your PowerPoints
If a PowerPoint presentation is too text-heavy people either A) get bored or B) focus so much on reading the slides that they don’t pay attention to what you’re saying. One way to avoid this is to cut down on the words in your slides. Instead, use images, graphs, and videos to convey your message. This will help your audience stay engaged and make your presentation more memorable.
Use Infographics
Infographics are a great way to present data in a visually appealing way and can be used to show data trends, compare statistics, or explain complex ideas. Instead of just giving your audience a list of numbers, turn that data into a graphic that tells a story. This can help your audience better understand the information and make it more impactful. There are many online tools (such as Canva) that make it easy to create your own infographics, even if you don’t have a design background.
Tell a Story
Humans have been using stories to communicate for thousands of years, and for good reason. A good story can capture an audience’s attention and keep them engaged. Try to incorporate storytelling into your presentations or reports. This can be done by using anecdotes, case studies, or personal experiences to illustrate your point. Not only will your audience be more interested, but they will also be more likely to remember the information you’re presenting.
Use Color
Color can evoke emotions and influence our moods. Use this to your advantage by incorporating color into your visual content. Choose colors that are appropriate for the message you’re trying to convey. For example, blue can be calming and trustworthy, while red can be energetic and passionate. Colors are also a great way to present a concept—I rely on the colors of the Insights® Discovery color wheel to talk about individuals’ and teams’ communication preferences, ways of processing information, dynamics, and more.
Just make sure to choose colors that are visually appealing, are not too distracting, and make sense with whatever you’re presenting.
Communicating effectively is crucial in today’s world, and using visual storytelling is a powerful way to do so. By following the tips mentioned above, you can create visually appealing content that captures your audience’s attention, conveys your message clearly, and stays with them long after the presentation or report is over. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different visual elements and techniques to find what works best for you and your audience. With practice and persistence, you too can harness the power of visual storytelling to communicate your ideas 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: communicate visual to increase effectiveness, effectiveness of visual communication, Margaret Smith LP of Insights, Margaret Smith professional speaker, the power of storytelling, unlock power of visual communication
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July 5, 2023 5 Ways to Manage Negativity and Build a Positive Outlook
It is well-known in psychology that people tend to remember and cling to negative experiences more intensely than positive ones. That tendency is called negativity bias, and it can color the way we see the world. Instead of paying attention to the half-dozen positive comments after a presentation, we’re more likely to dwell on the one person who said they didn’t resonate with the material. Instead of recalling past experiences of success, we focus on the failures. To make matters worse, we are often inundated with bad news from the news, social media, and other sources.
Strategies for Overcoming Negativity
How can we overcome all this negativity in our lives? Try any or all of the following five practices:
Practice Gratitude
Believe it or not, gratitude is a state of mind you can practice and adapt with a little time and effort (it is not necessarily innate or intuitive!). Every day, write down three things for which you are grateful. These don’t have to be big things; they could be as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee or having a supportive friend. Focusing on what is going well in your life can help shift your thoughts away from negativity.
Embrace Failure
Failure is a natural part of life. Things are not going to go perfectly at all times (wouldn’t life be boring if they did?), so it’s better to face failures head on and strategize how to overcome them, rather than letting them completely derail you. Instead of dwelling on mistakes or perceived failures, use them as opportunities for growth and learning. Reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve in the future. Remember, the most innovative companies, such as Google and Apple, are not afraid of making mistakes and missteps on their journey to produce something cutting edge and new.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
The people you surround yourself with and the media you consume can have a big impact on your mindset. Seek friends and colleagues who have a positive outlook, are supportive, don’t say nasty things about others, and who encourage you in your endeavors. In terms of media, it’s a good idea to limit your social media and news time, AND edit who/what shows up on your news feed. This doesn’t mean you’re tuning out the world; you’re simply limiting your exposure to media that can often feel “doom and gloom.”
Talk Back to Your Gremlins
Does it sometimes feel like you have a gremlin that invades your thoughts and tells you things like: “you can’t,” “you’re not good enough,” “no one will listen to your thoughts,” or “you shouldn’t even be in this meeting.” I call this “gremlin” your saboteur—the negative soundtrack that runs through your mind and belittles your abilities. It’s time to start talking back! Pay attention to your negative thoughts, acknowledge them, and work on reframing them into more positive, constructive thoughts.
Practice Self-Care
Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally is essential for building a positive mindset. Make time for activities that you enjoy, get adequate sleep, eat well, and prioritize your mental health. It’s much easier to maintain a positive mindset when you’re feeling refreshed, healthy, and energized (see my post on 5-minute self-care ideas).
Building a positive mindset is a powerful tool for overcoming negativity and improving your quality of life. The five strategies outlined above can help you shift your thought patterns and approach life with a more optimistic outlook. It may take time and effort, but the benefits are worth it. Don’t let negativity bias control your life—take charge of your thoughts and embrace the positive.
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: manage negativity and build positive outlook, Margaret Smith LP of Insights, Margaret Smith Twin Cities, negative inner voice, opt for positive outlook, positivity in workplace, quash negativity
June 28, 2023 Managing Remote Teams: 7 Practices for Leaders
The work landscape has permanently changed, and it’s imperative for leaders to recognize that. Many people have found working from home to be convenient, time-saving, and less stressful than going into an office—even if this remote work occurs a couple days each week. What’s more, remote teams can provide a lot of benefits to an organization, from cost savings to increased productivity.
The problem, however, is in managing a remote team, especially for leaders who are used to managing teams in a traditional office environment. How do you keep your team’s attention? How should you conduct meetings and other communications? How can you keep everyone cohesive and happy?
Here are seven tips and best practices for leaders who manage teams that work remotely (either occasionally of full-time):
1. Set clear expectations
Setting clear expectations is crucial when managing a remote team. This includes expectations around communication, deadlines, and availability. Make sure to communicate the expectations clearly and consistently, so that everyone is on the same page. I’m a big advocate of clarity, and this becomes even more crucial when managing remotely.
2. Use the right tools
Using the right tools can help remote teams stay connected and productive. Some popular tools include video conferencing software, project management software, and instant messaging tools. Make sure to choose tools that are easy to use and accessible to everyone on the team.
3. Establish regular check-ins
Regular check-ins can help keep remote teams on track and ensure that everyone is on the same page. These check-ins can take the form of video calls, phone calls, or emails. Make sure to establish a regular schedule so everyone knows when to expect the check-ins. NOTE: Be careful not to over schedule, though! If a meeting really isn’t needed, don’t force it (or have a quicker than expected check-in).
4. Encourage collaboration
Collaboration is important for remote teams, just as it is for traditional teams. Encourage collaboration by creating opportunities for team members to work together, such as through shared projects or brainstorming sessions. Use tools that enable real-time collaboration, such as Google Docs or Slack.
5. Foster a positive team culture
Fostering a positive team culture is important for any team, but it can be especially challenging for remote teams. Make an effort to create a positive team culture by recognizing team members’ achievements, celebrating milestones, and promoting a supportive work environment.
6. Provide feedback and recognition
Providing feedback and recognition is important for remote teams, just as it is for traditional teams. Make sure to provide regular feedback and recognition to remote team members, even if it is just a quick email or message. This can help remote team members feel valued and connected to the team. Don’t underestimate the power of a thank you!
7. Establish healthy boundaries
Because our work and personal lives are overlapping more than ever, it is easy to overstep boundaries by emailing or texting after normal working hours. Your team should never be expected to respond to queries outside of the normal payday. To encourage healthy boundaries, don’t contact employees or send emails after hours (many email services allow you to schedule emails to send at a later time—opt to schedule emails during regular work hours). And if someone has scheduled a personal day, don’t interfere! It’s important to establish a firm barrier between our work and personal lives.
Managing remote teams can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. By following some simple tips and best practices, leaders can help their remote teams stay connected, productive, and engaged. Remote work is the future, and leaders need to adapt. You can still be just as effective, engaging, and communicative with a remote team, but you may need to adjust your approach. This could take extra work and strategy at first, but your efforts will be well worth it.
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 management remote teams, effectively manage remote team, lead remote work teams, leadership and work from home, Margaret Smith coaching, margaret smith leadership, remote team management practices
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- Posted under Better Business, Communication, Leadership, Uncategorized
