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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Tag Archives: Margaret Smith licensed Insights practitioner

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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September 18, 2024 Developing Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

If you have been following my blog or my business for any length of time, you know that I am a long-time advocate of heart-led leadership. That means being authentic AND having an authentic interest in each of your people. It also means making smart decisions by balancing your head and your heart. Being “heart-led” doesn’t mean you’re weak; it simply means you are empathetic, kind, and willing to listen to your people. This can be viewed as an offshoot of emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence (sometimes referred to as EQ) is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and reason with emotions. It involves being self-aware, regulating your own emotions, and empathizing with others. Developing emotional intelligence in the workplace can lead to improved communication, better conflict resolution, and stronger relationships with colleagues. By cultivating emotional intelligence, you can become a more effective leader, foster a positive work environment, and contribute to the overall success of your organization.

Some might believe that emotional intelligence is innate—you’re either born with it or you’re not. While it might be true that some people are more naturally empathetic than others, that doesn’t mean everyone else cannot learn to be emotionally intelligent and develop the qualities associated with a high EQ.

Emotional intelligence is a skill that can be learned and improved over time. If you’re hoping to build this essential skill, I suggest starting with the following:

Build Self-Awareness

Emotional intelligence starts with developing a deeper understanding of yourself. What are your tendencies, habits, and perspectives? How do you tend to react stressful situations? What is your communication style, and how do you relate to others?

To help answer these (and other) crucial questions, I suggest taking an assessment test that is rooted in science. As a Licensed Practitioner of Insights Discovery®, I naturally advocate for this system, but many other similar programs exist (Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder, Enneagrams, etc.). Briefly, Insights Discovery® is a self-awareness tool that helps you understand your natural preferences, strengths, and potential blind spots, visualizing this data with four distinct colors (learn more on my website). By gaining this self-knowledge, you can better manage your emotions, communicate more effectively, and build stronger relationships with your colleagues.

Additionally, consider keeping a journal to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors throughout the workday. This can provide valuable insights into your emotional patterns and help you identify areas for growth.

Practice Active Listening

An important step in developing your EQ is practicing active listening. When you actively listen, you not only hear the words being said, but you also aim to understand the speaker’s perspective and emotions. This involves maintaining eye contact, asking clarifying questions, and paraphrasing what you’ve heard to ensure understanding. This demonstrates empathy and builds trust with your colleagues, which can lead to more productive conversations and stronger relationships.

Check In with Your Emotions

Emotional intelligence also requires the ability to check in with and manage your own emotions. When you experience strong feelings, whether positive or negative, take a moment to pause and reflect before responding. This can prevent you from saying or doing something you might regret. Practice techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to help you regulate your emotions and respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively.

Aim For Understanding

Finally, strive to approach interactions with an attitude of understanding rather than judgment. When you encounter a colleague who is behaving in a way that frustrates or upsets you, try to consider their perspective and what might be driving their actions. This empathetic mindset can help you respond with compassion rather than criticism, fostering an environment of mutual respect and trust.

By developing these key emotional intelligence skills, you can become a more effective communicator, problem-solver, and leader within your organization. Those with a high EQ tend to have a better ability to navigate workplace relationships and interactions effectively. This, in turn, can lead to improved collaboration, problem-solving, and overall job satisfaction. Investing in the development of emotional intelligence can be a valuable asset for yourself, your people, and the entire 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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June 26, 2024 How to Establish Communication Expectations

Have you ever worked with someone who is a notoriously poor communicator? Perhaps they often do not reply to emails, their expectations are unclear, or they come across as brusque or unapproachable. When communication is lacking, that can affect all aspects of the work environment and result in misunderstandings or delays. To establish effective communication expectations, it’s important to set clear guidelines from the start.

Here are 5 ways to improve communication standards in the workplace:

Define Communication Channels

When working with someone, it’s a good idea to inquire about their preferred communication methods. While email might seem like the go-to method, some people prefer the directness of a phone call or the brevity of a text or Slack message. In some cases (as with major or complex projects), in-person communication might even be best. By understanding others’ preferred communication methods, you can streamline processes and reduce the risk of miscommunication. Furthermore, having clarity on how and when to use each communication method can enhance efficiency and productivity within the workplace.

Set Response Time Expectations

Setting expectations for response times can help manage others’ expectations and prevents misunderstandings due to delayed responses. While it may seem strange, at first, to set these expectations, they can actually be enormously helpful for both parties. Approach this tactfully, saying something like, “Since I would like to move on to the next phase of the project by Friday, I would very much appreciate your response by Thursday afternoon.” Additionally, establishing guidelines for urgent communications versus non-urgent ones can aid in prioritizing tasks effectively.

Address Non-Communication and Poor Communication

When someone is repeatedly non-responsive or has trouble clearly and concisely communicating their thoughts, it can be a good idea to address the issue directly. Try offering feedback or guidance on how to improve their communication skills. Providing examples of misunderstandings or delays caused by poor communication can help illustrate the importance of effective communication. By addressing these issues promptly and constructively, you can prevent further communication breakdowns in the future.

Encourage Feedback

Encourage feedback from team members about the communication processes in place. By regularly seeking input and suggestions for improvement, you can foster a culture of open communication and continuous refinement. Creating opportunities for constructive feedback can enhance overall communication standards and ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. This feedback loop can also help identify any recurring issues or challenges in communication, allowing for proactive solutions to be implemented.

Lead by Example

If you expect excellent communication from others, it is essential to lead by example. Demonstrating strong communication skills, such as active listening, clarity in messages, and timely responses, sets the tone for others to follow. Consistency in your communication style can help establish trust and credibility among your colleagues. By practicing good communication habits and showing respect for others’ time and preferences, you contribute to a positive communication culture within the workplace. Remember, effective communication is a two-way street that requires active participation from all parties involved.

Communication can, quite literally, make or break an organization. When you take the time to set communication expectations and address communication issues directly, you set the stage for a more productive and harmonious work environment. Remember that effective communication is an ongoing process that requires attention and adaptation. By prioritizing clear and respectful communication, you can build stronger relationships, enhance teamwork, and ultimately contribute to the overall success of the 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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