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March 6, 2024 8 Ways to Support Female Employees

March is National Women’s History month, a time to reflect on the achievements of female figures throughout the decades and recognize the contributions of women (past and present). Although women have made incredible strides in the workplace, and have smashed through several glass ceilings, we unfortunately still have some ground to cover to achieve true workplace equality.

For example, pay inequality is still abysmal. The Pew Research Center reports that, “The gender pay gap – the difference between the earnings of men and women – has barely closed in the United States in the past two decades. In 2022, American women typically earned 82 cents for every dollar earned by men.”

Additionally, women are still largely responsible for household and childcare responsibilities. National Public Radio wrote an article on the subject, saying that in opposite-sex marriages, “wives are still spending more than double the amount of time on housework than their husbands (4.6 hours per week for women vs. 1.9 hours per week for men), and almost two hours more per week on caregiving, including tending to children.”

With women still fighting an uphill battle for equal pay, equitable household responsibilities, and fair treatment, how can we make a concerted effort to support and uplift them in the workplace? Here are eight ideas:

  1. Encourage a culture of inclusivity and diversity by promoting gender equality initiatives, such as implementing equal pay policies and conducting regular pay audits. Several companies have adopted a policy of transparency that allows all people to see others’ salaries, to ensure pay is consistent and equitable (based on one’s role and experience, not demographics!).
  2. Provide opportunities for career advancement and professional development specifically tailored towards women, such as mentoring programs, leadership training, and sponsoring women-led projects.
  3. Offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options and flexible scheduling, to accommodate the diverse needs of female employees. This can be especially helpful for working mothers.
  4. Create a supportive and safe work environment by implementing zero-tolerance policies for harassment and discrimination. Work with your HR department to get started.
  5. Establish family-friendly policies, like parental leave, on-site childcare, and lactation rooms, to support working mothers.
  6. Foster a supportive network for female employees by organizing women’s affinity groups or employee resource groups (ERGs) focused on gender equality and empowerment.
  7. Implement unconscious bias training programs to raise awareness and reduce biased behaviors and decision-making in the workplace.
  8. Last but certainly not least, recognize and celebrate the achievements of female employees! This could be through awards, promotions, or public recognition. Encourage a culture of appreciation and recognition for their contributions.

By implementing these strategies, we can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment, where female employees can thrive and reach their full potential.

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 21, 2024 5 Ways to Command the Room

Some people seem to have a natural presence that commands attention. When they speak, people listen and pay attention. Even in a crowded meeting room, they seem to have no trouble being heard. If you are not one of these people, this may seem like a skill that is beyond your reach.

How do you develop the confidence, poise, and presence to get others to tune in to what you’re saying? How do you make sure your voice is heard? Let’s talk about 5 ways to command the room.

Use Powerful Body Language

At times, your body language can say more than your actual words. To convey confidence, stand tall with your shoulders back, and make eye contact with your audience. Use hand gestures to emphasize your points (but don’t go too wild!) and try to remain calm and at ease. Avoid crossing your arms or slouching, as this can make you appear closed off or disinterested.

Speak with Conviction

Another important aspect of commanding the room is speaking with conviction. Speak with clarity and purpose, and project your voice (but don’t shout) so others can hear you. If you mumble or speak too softly, your message can get lost and others may think you lack confidence.

Control the Pace and Tone of Your Voice

To command the room, it’s crucial to control the pace and tone of your voice. Speak slowly and clearly, allowing your words to resonate with impact. Vary your tone to convey different emotions and maintain the audience’s interest. A monotone voice can quickly lose their attention (watch a few TED Talks speeches to see how the speaker varies their voice to engage the audience).

Practice, Practice, Practice

Preparation and practice are key to commanding the room. When you know your material inside and out, you won’t have to worry about stumbling through what you need to say. It is also a good idea to anticipate any questions or criticisms that may arise (and practice your response). Practice what you’re going to say multiple times to build confidence and ensure smooth delivery. The more prepared you are, the more effectively you can command the room.

Engage with Your Audience

It is easy to lose your audience’s attention if you speak at them and not with them. The best speakers are engaging speakers—ones who encourage participation by asking questions, seeking input, or sharing relatable stories. Show genuine interest in what others have to say and actively listen to their responses. This not only establishes a connection with your audience but also keeps them paying attention and invested in your message.

Keep in mind, few people are born with the ability to command a room. This takes deliberate effort, practice, and time. You might not nail it right away, but that’s okay! Keep practicing, pay attention to how others respond to you, and don’t give up. With practice and confidence, you can become a skilled speaker who commands attention and leaves a lasting impact on your listeners.

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 7, 2024 Managing Remote Teams: Tips and Best Practices for Leaders

Nearly four years after the start of the 2020 COVID pandemic, the workplace seems to be permanently changed. Although some companies have required its people to return to work full-time, many have continued to allow working from home (WFH) at least a few days each week.

And why not? For many people, this way of working is advantageous. People may have an easier time concentrating at home (less background chatter and people popping in and out of your cubicle), they might feel more at ease, and they often have more control over their time. Working from home can be especially helpful for parents or caretakers, who regularly have to rush around at odd hours of the day. What’s more, a study by Owl Labs shows that, “On average, those who work from home spend 10 minutes less a day being unproductive, work one more day a week, and are 47% more productive.”

However, WFH comes with its own set of challenges. A work team might be less unified or less comfortable with each other than if they were working together in person. Leaders might feel that they have less control over their people, or they may have trouble understanding precisely what their team is working on. Additionally, morale can be difficult for leaders to gauge when their team is working remotely.

How can company leaders face these challenges head on? Here are a few tips and best practices:

Encourage communication

Foster open and frequent communication channels within the remote team. Use video conferences, instant messaging, and project management tools to ensure everyone is on the same page. While communication is vital, it is also important to make sure you’re not micromanaging or imposing on others’ boundaries (such as expecting an email reply after normal work hours). Communicate clearly and regularly, but be respectful.

Set clear expectations

Clearly define goals, deadlines, and deliverables for the team. Provide detailed instructions and guidelines to minimize confusion and ensure productivity. Create a shared understanding of what success looks like for each project or task. This will help team members stay focused and aligned with the overall objectives. Be transparent about priorities and any changes that may arise. Regularly check in with team members to provide feedback and address any concerns or roadblocks.

Promote collaboration

Encourage collaboration among team members, even when they are not physically together. Create opportunities for brainstorming, problem-solving, and sharing ideas. Foster a sense of belonging and teamwork by organizing virtual team-building activities or social events. Collaboration tools such as shared documents or virtual whiteboards can facilitate this process.

Check in regularly

Regular check-ins can ensure employee well-being and address any issues they may be facing. This can be done through one-on-one meetings or team check-ins. Show genuine care and interest in the work and personal lives of your people, and offer support and resources to help them navigate any challenges they may encounter while working remotely.

Provide necessary resources

Ensure that your remote team has the necessary resources to effectively work from home. This includes access to reliable internet connection, appropriate software and tools, and any additional equipment they might need. Provide training and support to help your team members maximize their productivity and adapt to remote work. Stay updated on the latest technology and tools that can enhance remote collaboration and efficiency.

Establish a supportive culture

Foster a positive and inclusive remote work culture by promoting empathy, trust, and work-life balance. It is possible to encourage team members to support and uplift each other, even from a distance. As a leader, you can recognize and celebrate their achievements and milestones, offer flexibility, encourage self-care and stress management, and create opportunities for team members to connect on a personal level, such as virtual coffee breaks or team lunches. And don’t forget to lead by example, demonstrating a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing well-being.

Managing remote teams requires leaders to adapt to the unique challenges and opportunities that come with remote work. With a little effort and a smart strategy in place, leaders can effectively lead remote teams and ensure their success. The modern landscape has permanently changed; how will YOU adapt?

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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