Tag Archives: career coach Margaret Smith
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
February 24, 2016 15 Ways to Beat the Winter “Blahs”
Yes, it’s still winter. Sorry to break the bad news! If you’re finding it hard to roll out of bed and go to work, you’re not alone. 14 % of people in colder climates suffer from seasonal mood changes, commonly known as winter blues. You might feel tired or lethargic. You might feel uninspired or unmotivated at work. You might feel a sense of directionless or purposelessness.
If you suspect that the cold weather is getting you down (and that your feelings aren’t indicators of a larger problem, like depression or true Seasonal Affective Disorder), there are a few simple tactics you can take to turn things around.
Hang in there! Spring will be here before you know it. In the meantime, take a look at these 15 ways to get inspired and boost your mood.
Personal:
- Write it out
Keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings can help you make sense of them. Writing is a great release for pent-up emotions.
- Practice saying affirmations every morning
Before you get out of bed, focus on your strengths and the positive aspects of your life.
- Visit a conservatory
Soak in some actual sun at your local conservatory. The benefit of being in a warm environment among oxygen-giving plants is amazing! Bring a book and stay a while.
- Invest in a light box
According to psychologist Stephen Josephson, sitting in front of a light box daily for half an hour to an hour is very effective for improving mood and motivation.
- Eat healthy
Although it’s tempting to turn to chocolate and potato chips during the winter months, do your best to eat a clean diet. The nutrients will help increase your energy and focus.
Social:
- Plan a trip
Even if you can’t take a trip in the near future, it’s lots of fun to plan one. Studies show that oftentimes people actual get more enjoyment from planning their trip than actual going on it!
- Make dinner dates with friends
Chances are, your friends need to get out of the house just as much as you do!
- Visit the aquarium
Not just for kids! Being around fish and sea creatures is incredibly soothing.
- Play host/ess
Plan a dinner party for a few weeks from now and invite a handful of friends. Use your creativity to come up with a great menu, décor, music, and drinks.
- Get involved
Volunteer opportunities abound! Find a cause you believe in and put in some hours this month. Start looking on Volunteer Match or on the bulletin board in your local community center.
Professional:
- Connect with co-workers
Today, invite a co-worker to lunch (or coffee) and have a chat. The more positive connections you make at work, the more likely you’ll want to show up.
- Personalize your office
Update the family photos you keep at work, hang artwork, make your space you.
- Move!
If you’re feeling “blah” during the day, don’t just sit there and stare at your screen. Get up, take a walk, and allow yourself to refocus
- Make a list of 5 things you love about your job
Are you having trouble making the list? If so, there may be other issues at hand instead of just the winter blues. My door is always open, if that’s the case.
- Make a difference in someone’s day
Every day, look for opportunities to spread kindness. You might do something small, like clean the breakroom coffee pot. Or, you might do something larger, like volunteer to help a co-worker with her project. Not only will you feel good about your actions, you’ll be strengthening your personal brand—never a bad thing.
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: 15 ways to a better life, Beat the winter blahs, career coach Margaret Smith, improve your outlook, improve your personal life, thrive at work, tips for beating seasonal blues, winter blues
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Thrive at Work
February 10, 2016 Go Ahead! Apply for a Position that Doesn’t Exist
Image courtesy of Pixabay
Have you ever considered sending your resume to a company that wasn’t hiring? Or applying for a position that didn’t have any current openings? It may sound crazy, or even like a waste of time, but applying for your dream position—whether it exists or not—shows courage that other job-seekers don’t have. When taking the initiative to send an unsolicited resume, you convey the message that you’re not just looking for a job and a paycheck, but rather a career with a company that excites and interests you. If you take this plunge, here are a few things to know…
Use the Element of Surprise to Your Advantage
Your email to the company’s HR department or recruiter should explain why you’re contacting them, what you know about the company, and how you would fit into their current operation. Research the company and learn about their strengths and potential challenges they face. Show them how your skills and experience could remedy, or even prevent, future issues. For those reviewing resumes, seeing something like this can be a refreshing and welcomed surprise, and that can create a lasting impression.
Don’t Hold Your Breath, But Do Cross Your Fingers
When you invest your time and energy into submitting an unsolicited resume, know that you may not receive a response right away, if at all. Don’t take it personally. If the company has current job openings that you aren’t applying for, recruiters or hiring committees must fill those positions first. Follow up a few weeks later, but don’t be too discouraged if nothing comes of it.
When you submit your resume, send it to a real person, not just the generic catch-all email for the company. Don’t be afraid to drop off or mail a copy of your resume, too. Call their office to follow up. Since it’s so easy to email your resume without much thought, you can distinguish yourself by putting your face or voice to the name they see.
Think of This as an Investment in Your Future
When a job opening does occur, that recruiter may have a spark of recognition when they see your name among the other applicants. Better yet, he or she may contact you to let you know that a position is opening up. Perhaps you may be considered to take on some freelance work or they may contact you down the line for a job your talents are more aligned with.
In the end, putting your name out there and trying to make new connections is not going to hurt.
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: apply for job that doesn't exist, apply for nonexistent position, career coach Margaret Smith, connect with HR, contact HR, Minneapolis career coach, risk taking in the job hunt, send in your resume
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