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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Tag Archives: Margaret Smith life coach

March 23, 2022 6 Traits of an Effective Problem-Solver

It pays to be a problem-solver. Rather than either A) Sitting around and waiting for things to resolve themselves or B) Counting on others to solve your problems, it’s better to take a proactive approach. For one, the problems you’re facing may not resolve on their own. Or, they may not resolve themselves in the way you want. If you take “approach B” and let others solve problems for you, you lose crucial opportunities to learn and grow. Not to mention, your fate (or the fate of a project) will always be in others’ hands, beyond your control.

It’s much more rewarding to be proactive and attempt to solve problems yourself. That doesn’t mean you have to go about problem-solving on your own. The most adept problem-solvers use whatever resources (human or otherwise) which are at their disposal.

Work on becoming a problem-solver in your workplace! An effective problem-solver is…

1. Courageous

Some risk may be involved in finding solutions to sub-optimal situations. You might have to speak up, contact your superiors, or tap into uncharted territory. Be courageous, knowing that you’ll be learning valuable skills, no matter the outcome.

2. Adaptable

Not every solution is going to keep you squarely within your comfort zone. Be prepared to be flexible.

3. Innovative

Think outside the box! The best solutions may be paths you have not yet explored in your workplace. Look to other industries or unlikely sources for problem-solving inspiration

4. Resourceful

Don’t be afraid to seek help. Online research, your HR department, co-workers, or your professional connections could be sources of advice or inspiration for you.

5. A Unity-Builder

If a problem is affecting an entire department or group of people, it pays to rally the troops and get everyone working toward solving your mutual issue. You know what they say about several heads being better than one!

6. Vocal

Silence is the worst way to deal with a sticky issue. Refusing to address a problem with open communication will only suppress it or force people to talk about it in whispers.

Embrace your courageous, vocal, innovative, and adaptive sides! Rally the troops and use whatever resources are available to you. Be a proactive problem-solver, and you’ll gain a better handle on your future. Not only that, you’ll also develop valuable skills along the way and likely gain recognition from your superiors as someone who is unafraid to face problems head-on.

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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March 2, 2022 Small Actions Make a Big Difference

In this big, complicated world, it’s easy to feel small and insignificant. Right now, we’re in the midst of global turmoil, political divisions, and environmental uncertainty. Everything seems tense, complex and, frankly, overwhelming. And we don’t necessarily need a war or a pandemic to feel this way. It’s certainly possible to feel overwhelmed and anxious in the face of a large, complicated work project or a major life change.

What can you do when you’re feeling small and helpless?

I encourage you to focus on mini action-steps and tiny progressions. Small steps can and DO make a big difference. Fundraisers often rely on grassroots donations of $15 or $25. Pollution can be cut significantly by reducing single-use plastics or switching to more sustainable modes of transportation. A few kind words or a helping hand can make an enormous difference to someone who’s struggling.

Thinking about this from a work angle, small action steps are essential to completing large projects. A 50-page report is written one word at a time. A sales goal is achieved one buyer at a time. When you’re staring down a big project, try reframing it.

Here are a few steps to try:

  • Break the project down into smaller components
  • Create a project calendar with deadlines for the smaller pieces
  • If you’re working with others, figure out the best way to divide the work and monitor your collective progress
  • Identify small tasks you can do NOW
  • If possible, delegate or automate parts of the process

We’ve established that small action steps can eventually lead to the completion of large, daunting projects, but that’s not all they can do. Small actions can also provide some much-needed motivation. If, for instance, you’re feeling disheartened by your ever-growing to-do list, try finding the easiest item on the list and doing it NOW.

It’s best if the item only takes a few minutes to complete—answering an email you’ve been putting off, cleaning out a certain file folder, tidying your office for an afternoon Zoom meeting. The act of accomplishing something (no matter how small!) will give you a jolt of motivation and will probably inspire you to keep going. You’ll get to cross something off your to-do list and have a small sense of accomplishment.

Though it’s easy to feel helpless and small at times, know that your actions do make a difference. Every significant thing on earth—from ocean beaches to the first airplane—is the result of smaller components and/or action steps.

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 23, 2022 Put some joy on the calendar!

For those of us in the “frozen north,” we’re still slogging through winter, but spring is finally in sight! Even though the cold weather might linger a while longer, it’s great to have something to look forward to. Besides, it is beneficial to anticipate exciting future events. It has been found that looking forward to and planning for a vacation can be even more satisfying than actually taking the vacation!

Of course, it is important to live in the moment and be present, but if things are less than great right now, it’s a good idea to anticipate positive events in the future. So, let’s put some joy on the calendar!

You might look forward to…

Events

Anticipate holidays and birthdays, and start making plans to celebrate! Why not make someone’s birthday (or your own!) extra-special this year? Even if you have to celebrate from a distance, you can still plan some nice long-distance surprises. You could send little gifts over the week, send edible treats, or (if the person lives locally) decorate their lawn with flamingos or a few lawn signs with balloons. Remember the joy of celebrating your birthday as a young child? Why not bring some of that joy back?

Observations

As we approach spring, consider making a “Bingo card” of sorts to track your springtime observations. Look for the first flower, the first leaf, the first blooming lilacs, the first robin, the first time you hear a lawnmower or smell freshly cut grass. You might also make predictions about when the last of the snow will melt or (if you live in Minnesota!) when the last bit of ice will clear from the lakes.

You might notice other things, too, about the changing seasons. Observe the sunrise or sunset, notice the air growing warmer, see outfits begin to change from heavy sweaters and coats to lighter (and probably more colorful) garments.

Noticing little changes in your surroundings can help give you a deeper appreciation of the world around you. You are part of the changing seasons and cycles.

Small Joys

Small delights can help infuse our days with joy. Getting a haircut, scheduling a massage, or purchasing a new pair of hiking shoes are little ways you might create joy for yourself.

You can play an active role in elevating your own mood. Think about the things that bring you joy. Maybe you love being outdoors, painting, photography, or simply learning new things. You could schedule a mini vacation to indulge some of your interests (even if you schedule a staycation for catching up on your reading list, that counts!). Another idea is enrolling in a class to pursue an interest or learn something new (stained glass making, Spanish, baking croissants, knitting). You might find a class online, through a local university, or through a community education program.

Let’s infuse our lives with a little more joy! Start adding fun events to your calendar and enjoy the anticipation, as well as the event itself. Life doesn’t have to be serious all the time, and it’s healthy to look forward to fun 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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