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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Tag Archives: Margaret Smith coaching

June 28, 2023 Managing Remote Teams: 7 Practices for Leaders

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

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. 

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April 26, 2023 Feeling Stuck? Here’s how to make that big decision

Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

Have you ever found yourself at a turning point when you’ve had to make a decision? Maybe that decision was major (switching career paths, moving to a new city) or maybe it was less major but still important (deciding who to invite to a gathering, considering whether to take on a project). Whatever the case, making decisions can be difficult.

When it comes time to choose, we might freeze up and not know which way to turn. Sometimes we end up sticking firmly within our comfort zone, because we’re too nervous to take the plunge and commit to a new course of action.

To get out of a decision-making rut, try tapping into one or more different proven methods to make the best choice possible. Here are five techniques to try:

Map Out Possibilities

When you feel overwhelmed by choice, it can be helpful to create a visual representation of all your options. Mind maps are a great tool for this, as they allow you to see the paths before you in an organized and comprehensive manner. A pros and cons list is another useful tool for sorting out your thoughts and getting an organized view of your options.

Learn how to create an effective mind map by taking look at my past blog post on the topic.

Ask “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?”

When you plan for the worst-case scenario, you can worry less about making a mistake and start to realize that most of the time the consequences of a poor decision are not as dire as you might fear. Ask yourself, “What is the absolute worst outcome?”, and you will be more likely to act with confidence and a clear mind. Additionally, you’ll be better able to prepare for future “What ifs” if you consider possible adverse outcomes.

I’ve written more about this concept in my “How Bad Could It Be?” blog post.

Use the “Best Friend Test”

Before making an important decision, ask yourself, “What would I tell my best friend to do in this scenario?” This is a test author Daniel Pink recommends in a short, informative video. He says that asking this question is effective because it changes the perspective of the scenario. You certainly wouldn’t want to lead your best friend astray, so the advice you give to them should apply to yourself as well.

Journal About It

Writing is a process of self-discovery, and writing about your decision-making process can offer valuable insight into what you truly want. Keep a running log of your thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the issue at hand and explore different angles.

Get Support

When facing a difficult decision, sometimes it helps to turn to a few trusted advisors for input. Ask one or two people you trust for advice, but be careful not to get “advice overload” where you ask too many people about a topic. As with all advice, take these suggestions with a grain of salt.

Making a decision can be hard, but by tapping into different methods and taking a mindful approach, it’s possible to make the best choice. Taking the time to use these techniques can help you gain clarity and make the best choice for yourself.

Good luck and happy decision making!

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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February 22, 2023 The Link Between Movement and Productivity

If you’ve ever sat in one place for a long time, like at your desk or on an airplane, you know how lethargic you can feel after a while. That’s because there is a direct correlation between movement and brain function. According to InMovement, “Prolonged sitting leads to poor blood flow. As you move more throughout the day, your body is able to maintain optimal circulation to the brain, which is linked to improved cognitive function.”

Regularly moving your body can also, of course, lead to better physical health. This, in turn, can help you feel healthy and better prepared to take on life’s challenges. It’s difficult to perform at your peak when you’re feeling unwell or sluggish.

Studies have shown that exercising during the workday can improve time management and productivity. One study even noted a 72 percent improvement in these areas! Simply making an effort to move during the day can make a world of difference for your concentration and energy level.

If you’re looking for some easy ways to get moving during the workday, try these tips:

  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Stretch or do light exercises at your desk (try chair yoga or desk aerobics).
  • Take walking meetings.
  • Schedule activity breaks for yourself.
  • Stand up and move around every hour or two.
  • Walk to your colleague’s office instead of sending an email.
  • Invest in a standing (or even a cycling) desk.

No matter which activities you choose, regular movement helps fuel productivity and increases your focus and energy. With the right balance of movement and work, you’ll be able to tackle anything the day throws your way.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 

HER NEW EBOOK IS CALLED A QUICK GUIDE TO COURAGE.

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