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December 20, 2023 The Power of Delegation (During the Holidays)

If you’re like many people I know, you tend to get bogged down and busy during the holiday season. You take on an array of tasks—planning holiday gatherings, meal prep, gift shopping, arranging to get yourself and your family to all those holiday activities. With so much on your plate (and I’m not just talking about the turkey!), it can seem difficult to slow down, catch your breath, and re-strategize. But that’s exactly what I encourage you to do.

One of the most powerful ways to lighten your workload is to delegate. Delegation does not mean you’re lazy or ineffective—far from it. Instead, it is a sign of competent leadership, and it shows you are self-aware enough to know when you’ve just about hit your limit.

Even though many of us know delegation is a good idea, we tend to put up barriers. We make up excuses, such as:

“No one else has the skills to do what I need. I have to do it myself.”

“Everyone else is busy, too. It wouldn’t be fair to delegate.”

“What if someone else takes a different approach than I would? I don’t think I’d like that.”

“Delegating doesn’t save all that much time. I would have to explain the entire process/task/etc. to someone else before they could do it.”

…And on and on.

Though these excuses may sound convincing, they are usually quite flimsy. Usually, someone else will have some free time to take on part of your to-do list. And even if a task is difficult and/or the other person does not have the same skills you do, you should be able to train them in (and once you do, they can continue to help in the future).

A lot of these excuses boil down to one key concept: Letting go. For those who like to be in control, it may be difficult to hand over a project to another person. But does it really matter if that person approaches it exactly how you would have? Does it matter if they use different resources or skills to get the job done? As long as the end result is what you were looking for, it shouldn’t matter at all. Besides, you may learn something by observing how someone else approaches a familiar task or project. These can be learning moments, if you let them.

If you’re currently stretched too thin, I challenge you to practice some delegation. Just make sure the delegation is appropriate (not all work tasks can or should be delegated) and that the other person has the time and necessary experience to do the job.

Keep in mind, delegation can be effective in your personal life, as well as your work life. Planning a holiday gathering? Ask someone else to make the pie or to pop by the store to buy paper plates and napkins. Running your kids around to after-school activities? See if you can partner with another parent for drop off/pick up.

All great leaders delegate, and you can embrace this attribute as well. When approached with tact and a little strategy, delegation can work out well for all parties involved.

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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November 15, 2023 Fall Networking Events: How to Stand Out

Soon, the holidays will hit and things will likely get hectic. Before that happens, you may want to squeeze in a networking event or two. Whether you’re looking to shift career paths next year, gain a few more connections, or share your skillset, it could pay to intentionally network with others. But how can you stand out? And how can you establish meaningful connections that will actually lead to something?

This fall, try following these 4 networking tips:

Focus on the “Give”

The holidays should be a time of giving back, and networking events are no different. If you’re only thinking about yourself and what you can gain, that will likely come across in your interactions. Instead, think about your skills, talents, and what you can give to others. When you focus on the “give” instead of the “get,” you build trust and demonstrate that you care about others and their needs/predicaments. Additionally, you establish that you could be a valuable partner to help in certain areas (which could lead to landing additional projects or even finding a new job).

Prep Your Intro

It’s a good idea to prepare an introductory message for when you meet new people AND practice this intro until it comes naturally. Rather than writing a “pitch,” come up with a few lines about yourself and your skills/talents. Try to make your intro stand out in some way (for instance, say, “Hi, I’m Kim. I write headlines that grab attention and drive engagement,” rather than, “Hi, I’m Kim. I work in marketing.”). Be genuine and authentic in your intro, and make sure it aligns with your personal brand and the impression you want to leave on others.

Be Present and Engaged

When attending networking events, it’s important to be fully present and engaged in the conversations you have. Put away your phone and avoid distractions, so that you can give your full attention to the person you’re talking to. Ask open-ended questions to encourage meaningful conversations and actively listen to what the other person is saying. Show genuine interest in their background, experiences, and challenges.

Connect and Follow Up

After the event (or during, if appropriate), make sure to connect with the people you met on LinkedIn or other professional networking platforms. Personalize your connection requests and remind them of your conversation at the event. This will help solidify the connection and make it easier to follow up later.

In addition to connecting online, don’t forget to follow up with the individuals you met. Send a brief email or message within a week or two, expressing your gratitude for their time and reiterating something you discussed. This shows that you value the connection and are interested in maintaining it.

Remember, networking is not just about collecting business cards or making superficial connections. It’s about building relationships and adding value to others. By taking the time to prepare and going in with an open mind, you can make the most of your time and effort when attending these events.

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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October 4, 2023 Changing Your Work Approach with the Seasons (to Achieve Success)

In the upper Midwest, we’re currently making the shift to colder weather, shorter days, and (all too soon) snowfall. During this time of year, our animal instincts are telling us to prepare for the lean months ahead—a time when it’s okay to slow down, bundle up, and stay indoors. And maybe the hibernating bears and migrating geese are onto something! Studies have shown that people endure more depression and anxiety in the winter, have greater difficulty breathing, experience a drop in energy levels, and more. So, maybe it IS a good idea to start operating a little differently to prepare for the tough winter months ahead.

One thing you can do is adopt a “winter mentality” in relation to work. To set yourself up for success, consider adapting to the changing seasons by trying any of the following four tactics:

Slow Down

The winter months are the perfect time to take the advice of working “smarter not harder.” To do this, it’s a good idea to take a step back and think about your current responsibilities AND your typical work day. What are your current priorities? What are your biggest time sinks? Are you dealing with any inefficiencies? Do you often find yourself doing work that is low priority (or should be someone else’s priority?).

Once you’ve identified these areas, look for opportunities to streamline your work process. Can you delegate tasks to others? Can you automate certain repetitive tasks? Can you eliminate any unnecessary steps in your workflow? By slowing down and evaluating your work approach, you can make changes that will increase efficiency and productivity during the winter months.

Stay Organized

With the potential for increased workload and additional holiday responsibilities, staying organized is crucial during the winter season. Take time to declutter your workspace, both physical and digital. Create a system for prioritizing tasks and deadlines. Utilize tools such as calendars, to-do lists, and project management software to keep track of your responsibilities. By staying organized, you can minimize stress and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

Listen To Your Body

Just like hibernating critters intuitively know when to slow down and seek shelter, so, too, is it wise to listen to your body. Our bodies are constantly sending us messages (“I’m hungry,” “I feel tense and stressed,” “I ache”) that can signal when we need to make a change. If you’re feeling exhausted, gloomy, or lethargic, it’s a good idea to take notice and respond accordingly. Take a few days off, see if you can lighten your work load, or indulge in some self-care (a massage, soaking in a hot tub, or taking a long walk in nature). Pay attention to your body’s needs and give yourself the care and rest you require to thrive during the winter months.

Adapt Your Schedule

The change in seasons can also warrant a change in your daily schedule. Consider shifting your work hours to align with the daylight hours. If you find yourself feeling more energized and productive in the morning, try starting your workday earlier. Alternatively, if you struggle with motivation in the morning and feel more alert in the evening, consider adjusting your schedule accordingly. By aligning your work schedule with your natural energy patterns, you can optimize your productivity and well-being.

We naturally tend to operate differently in the winter, and that inclination can be applied to the workplace as well. This winter, make an intentional effort to adjust your work approach (and life approach) to fit your needs. Doing so can help prevent the burnout and lethargy so many of us grapple with during the winter months. Listen to your body, slow down when needed, and focus on working at a sustainable pace. You’ve got this!

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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