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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Tag Archives: Margaret Smith licensed Insights practitioner

October 23, 2024 Adapting During Difficult Times (5 Ways)

No one is immune to the challenges and setbacks that life can bring. Whether it’s a global crisis, a personal tragedy, or a professional roadblock, we all face rough patches at times. The key is how we respond to these difficult moments. As a career and life coach, I have guided several individuals through periods of uncertainty and change. Time and again, I’ve witnessed the power of resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to pivot.

In this post, I’ll share five essential tips to help you navigate difficult times and emerge stronger than before.

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset

When faced with adversity, it’s easy to slip into a fixed mindset—the belief that our abilities and circumstances are set in stone. However, research shows that adopting a growth mindset can be a game-changer. A growth mindset is the understanding that our skills, talents, and even our life situations can be developed and improved through effort, strategy, and perseverance.

Instead of seeing challenges as insurmountable obstacles, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Remember: your current circumstances do not define your future.

2. Cultivate Flexibility

Adaptability is a superpower when it comes to navigating difficult times. The ability to pivot and adjust your approach as needed is crucial for weathering life’s storms. Rigid thinking and inflexible behaviors can quickly become liabilities, while flexibility and openness to change can be your greatest assets.

In my experience, it is best to be open-minded and receptive to new ideas. Experiment with different strategies and be willing to let go of what’s no longer working. If you embrace the mindset of a lifelong learner (constantly seeking new skills and perspectives), you set yourself up to thrive.

3. Build a Support Network

No one should have to face difficult times alone. Surround yourself with a network of supportive individuals who can offer encouragement, advice, and a listening ear when you need it most. This could include family, friends, mentors, or a professional coach.

Lean on your support system for practical assistance, emotional guidance, and a fresh perspective. Far too often, we’re afraid to ask for help even if we truly need it. I urge you to have the courage to reach out to others and be a little vulnerable when you need to.

4. Practice Self-Care

When life gets tough, it’s easy to neglect your own well-being. However, prioritizing self-care is crucial for maintaining your resilience and adaptability. Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, such as:

  • Engaging in regular exercise or physical activity
  • Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing
  • Pursuing hobbies and creative outlets
  • Getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule
  • Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
  • Seeking professional support, such as therapy or counseling, if needed

By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges that come your way. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

5. Reframe Your Perspective

The way you perceive and interpret difficult situations can have a significant impact on your ability to adapt and overcome. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of a challenge, try to reframe your perspective and focus on the opportunities for growth and learning.

Ask yourself questions like:

  • What can I learn from this experience?
  • How can I use this challenge as a springboard for positive change?
  • What strengths or resources do I have that can help me navigate this situation?

By shifting your mindset and looking for the silver linings, you can transform seemingly insurmountable obstacles into stepping stones towards a brighter future.

Navigating difficult times is never easy, but with the right mindset, tools, and support, it is possible to not only survive but thrive. By embracing a growth mindset, cultivating flexibility, building a support network, practicing self-care, and reframing your perspective, you can develop the resilience and adaptability needed to overcome any challenge that comes your way.

Remember, tough times don’t last, but tough people do. Believe in your ability to adapt and overcome, and you’ll be well on your way to a brighter, more fulfilling future.

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 16, 2024 Acknowledging Your Strengths (and knowing when to delegate)

As a licensed practitioner of Insights® Discovery, I know how vitally important it is to understand and tap into your personal strengths. Though you might have a sense of your skills and interests, naming them can be powerful. This helps to crystallize your self-awareness and give you a clearer picture of how you can best contribute.

Once you’ve identified your strengths, you can determine which tasks and responsibilities you’re uniquely suited for, and which ones might be better delegated to others. This allows you to focus your energy on your areas of excellence, while empowering your team members to shine in their own ways. Striking this balance is one of the keys to effective leadership and personal fulfillment.

However, many of us are hesitant to delegate for a variety of reasons. We might think we can do a task better or quicker than someone else, or we could be hesitant to give up that control, or we might simply not trust our team members to handle it properly. But when we hold on too tightly, we end up overworked and overwhelmed. Delegating frees up your time and energy to focus on your most important priorities. It also empowers your team, allowing them to develop new skills and take on greater responsibilities.

To get past hesitations or mental barriers related to delegation, I suggest the following:

Identify Tasks to Delegate

It is helpful to be crystal clear on which tasks you enjoy and have time to do versus the tasks that are better delegated to others. Make a list of the responsibilities you can hand off, considering your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your team’s capabilities. This will help you determine what to delegate and to whom.

Reach Out Intentionally

Not everyone is suited for every task. If you’re considering delegating something, make sure to reach out to the proper person. Ask yourself if that person has the skills, interest, and bandwidth to take on the task. If not, you may need to find someone else OR allow that person additional time to complete the job at hand.

Communicate Expectations Clearly

When delegating tasks, be sure to provide clear instructions and set expectations upfront. Explain the desired outcome, timeline, and any specific requirements. This ensures your team members understand exactly what is expected of them.

Provide Support

An effective leader makes sure to provide support and guidance as needed. Check in regularly, offer feedback, and be available to answer questions. This helps team members feel empowered and confident in their ability to complete the delegated tasks successfully. Though you may need to be available for questions and support quite a bit at first, your team member should gain more confidence and adeptness with repeat tasks over time.

Review Progress and Provide Feedback

Schedule regular check-ins to review the delegated work. Offer constructive feedback and be available to answer questions or provide guidance. This shows your team members that you trust them, while also maintaining quality control. Over time, you can reduce the level of oversight as they gain confidence and competence.

Express Appreciation

Do not underestimate the power of a thank you. If your team members have done a great job with the delegated tasks, be sure to express your sincere appreciation. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to continue taking on more responsibilities and growing in their roles. For especially impressive work, consider providing a hand-written thank you card or gift card to express your gratitude.

Effective delegation is a skill that takes practice, but the benefits are immense. By empowering your team, you free up your own time and energy to focus on your strengths and highest priorities. This, in turn, can lead to greater productivity, job satisfaction, and overall success for both you and your organization.

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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September 25, 2024 5 Tips to Be Present

We live in a distracted society. A survey in 2023 found that, “Americans spend an average of four hours looking at their cellphones every day, checking them at least 144 times a day.” That statistic is frankly appalling. Even if it is wildly inaccurate and we decide to divide the findings in half, that still means we spend two hours absorbed in our phones every day, and glance at our screen 72 times. And this doesn’t include all our other distractions—TV, email, video games, and more.

This week, I’d like to talk about being present, why it matters, and how to be more mindful in your everyday life.

(I discussed this topic in a video I produced a while ago. If you’re interested, click here.)

Why Being Present Matters

Your presence matters in both your personal and professional life. Your presence means something to others, whether your family, co-workers, or boss. When you are present, you are able to fully engage with the people and tasks in front of you. This leads to deeper connections, increased productivity, and a greater sense of fulfillment. Conversely, when you are distracted, you miss important details, struggle to be an active listener, and fail to capitalize on your time.

Being present allows you to live in the moment and make the most of each interaction. It is also a sign of respect. When you’re present, you convey that you value the person or task at hand. You are not preoccupied with the past or future, but fully engaged in the moment. This builds trust, strengthens relationships, and helps you be more productive and fulfilled. Ultimately, being present is a skill that takes practice, but the benefits are immense. It allows you to savor life’s moments, connect more deeply with others, and make the most of your time and energy.

5 Ways to Be Present

If you’re hoping to improve your focus and be more present in daily life, I suggest trying some of the following five tips:

Eliminate distractions

When possible, turn off your notifications, silence your phone, and attempt to create a distraction-free environment. This will support your goal of being present.

Practice mindfulness

Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing and be fully present in the moment. It’s a good idea to build this into your schedule, so you get into the habit of doing it.

Single-task

Multitasking is usually ineffective and often leads to sloppy or incomplete work. It is much better to lend your full attention to a single task. To do this, try setting a timer and focusing on one specific task for fifteen or twenty minutes. Repeat.

Schedule tech-free time

Set boundaries around when you will and won’t use your devices. For example, you could decide not to use your phone during mealtimes or after a certain time in the evening. Stick to these tech-free periods to be more present with your loved ones or to wind down before bed.

Reflect and recharge

Take regular breaks throughout the day to pause, reflect, and recharge. This could involve a short walk, meditation, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes. Giving your mind a break will help you return to tasks feeling more focused and present.

Being present and minimizing distractions is crucial for personal and professional success. By making a few intentional changes in your life, you can train your brain to stay focused on the present moment. This will lead to deeper connections, increased productivity, and a greater sense of fulfillment. Remember, being present is a skill that takes practice, but the benefits are well worth the effort. Start implementing these strategies today to make the most of your time and energy.

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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