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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Tag Archives: Margaret Smith LP of Insights

September 27, 2023 Feeling Stuck? Here are 5 ways to get “unstuck” and move forward

There are times in our lives when we feel like our wheels are turning, but we’re going nowhere. We’re in a rut, uncertain of how to move the wagon forward. Or, we’ve been handed a project that is either overly challenging or uninspiring, so we’re having trouble getting motivated to tackle it. Or…we’re simply feeling exhausted and drained.

How do you break through these ruts and “blahs”? How can you get yourself unstuck?

While there’s no magic bullet, there are a few actions you can take to help you move forward. You do have a measure of control over your motivation, whether you realize it or not. For many of us, being stuck is really our brains putting up a roadblock. We can do the job but, for whatever reason, we’re resisting.

But here’s the thing: roadblocks can be overcome. Hurdles can be leaped over. I suggest trying any of the following practices (whatever appeals to you) to help you get unstuck:

Journal

Loosen up your mind and spark your creativity through journaling! Buy a fresh notebook, grab a pen, and start writing. You don’t have to be terribly structured about this process—just write whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar and punctuation because the journaling is just for you. You might choose to write about whatever is making you feel stuck, or you can write about something totally different—whatever helps get the gears turning.

Change your scenery

Sometimes a simple change of scenery can do wonders for creativity or breaking through mental roadblocks. If you work out of the same office or at the same desk every day, trying switching it up. Test out a co-working space, go to a coffee shop, or bring your laptop to the library. Just remember to bring headphones or earplugs in case the new environment is a bit noisy.

Go for a walk

Taking an intentional break can be great for getting yourself back into gear and reigniting your motivation. In my experience, going on a walk is especially effective because it forces you to leave your desk and gets your blood flowing and your heart pumping. Even a little bit of exercise can boost your mood and sharpen your brain functions, so it’s a good idea to move every once in a while.

Get an outsider’s perspective

If you’re feeling stuck, it can be beneficial to talk about it with someone else. Ask a friend, family member, or a co-worker (preferably one who isn’t too close to the problem at hand) for their perspectives, or simply tell them about the roadblocks you’re facing. Just the act of talking about your sticking point can help move your wheels forward. Whether you realize it or not, this type of discussion is a form of problem solving.

Get away

In some cases, you could be feeling stuck because all of life’s stressors have left you exhausted and have drained your personal batteries. If that’s the case, you might need to hit the “reset button” in a big way. Consider getting away for a while, leaving your laptop behind, and turning on your vacation responder. Whether you enjoy a long weekend away or embark on a two-week vacation, you’re helping to refresh and rejuvenate your brain and boost your motivation. Something about getting away, unplugging, and creating some distance between you and the problem can give you perspective and help you problem solve.

Don’t let yourself remain stuck until the wheels fall off the axel and you end up in the mud! Oftentimes, being stuck is simply a state of mind, and it can be overcome. By using a few tools and tips, I’m certain you can get yourself unstuck and moving forward. And you’ll feel better once you do.

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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August 23, 2023 The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback: Tips for Managers and Employees

Effective feedback is a two-way street. If you’re providing critiques, it’s important to do so in a way that doesn’t sound accusatory or ends up being demoralizing, but it’s usually not enough to say, “Good work! Keeping doing what you’re doing.” On the other hand, if you’re receiving feedback, it doesn’t pay to put up walls and be overly defensive. BUT it’s also not a good idea to passively take criticism if you A) disagree with it or B) do not completely understand it.

All this is to say, giving and receiving feedback effectively is a balancing act. And it’s easy to tip into negative territory.

How can you keep things positive and aim for improvement? First, let’s talk about giving effective feedback, and then we’ll discuss a few pointers for effectively receiving feedback.

Giving Effective Feedback

Good feedback is sincere, illustrative, and clear. It also provides a clear path or action plan for the recipient to use after the meeting. To achieve this type of feedback, I often turn to the D4 model, designed by Insights® Discovery, which I’ve discussed in detail in a past blog post.

Essentially, the D4 feedback model is a four-step process that encourages specificity while also maintaining a positive tone. Here are the basics:

Data: Start by presenting the facts of the situation or behavior. Avoid generalizations or assumptions, and keep your tone neutral.

Depth of Feeling: Start to explore why you might be feeling a certain way about the data you’ve presented. This step helps to uncover deeper issues that may be contributing to the situation.

Dramatic Interpretation: How are you interpreting the situation? What meaning have you given it?

Do: End with a clear path forward. What would you like to see happen moving forward, and what steps can be taken to get there?

By following these steps, you’ll be able to give feedback that is clear, actionable, and helps the recipient understand how to improve. It’s also important to remember to give positive feedback as well – acknowledging what the recipient is doing well can motivate them to keep up the good work.

Receiving Feedback Effectively

Receiving feedback can be challenging, especially if it’s critical or unexpected. However, it’s important to approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn. To do this, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Listen actively and ask clarifying questions.
  • Avoid becoming defensive or argumentative.
  • If you do not agree with the feedback, politely ask for clarification/elaboration. You may also want to seek additional feedback from others to corroborate the feedback.
  • Identify specific actions you can take to improve. Make sure to go over these action steps with the person providing feedback.
  • Ask for next steps (a follow-up meeting, sending a progress update, etc.).
  • Acknowledge and thank the person for their feedback.
  • Follow through! After the meeting, begin strategizing how you will stay committed to the action steps discussed during the feedback session. This may involve setting goals, seeking additional support or resources, or simply dedicating time and energy to improving your performance.

Remember, feedback is an opportunity for growth and development. By approaching it with an open mind and a positive attitude, you can turn constructive criticism into a valuable tool for personal and professional improvement.

Whether you’re giving or receiving feedback, it’s important to approach it with care and intention. Giving effective feedback involves being specific, sincere, and clear, while also providing a path forward. The D4 feedback model is a useful tool for achieving this balance. On the receiving end, it’s important to actively listen, avoid defensiveness, and identify specific actions to take. Remember, feedback is an opportunity for growth, so approach it with a willingness to learn and modify how you’re currently doing things. The give and take of feedback doesn’t have to be painful or stressful! With effective communication and positive intentions, both parties can walk away satisfied.

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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July 12, 2023 Unlocking the Power of Visual Communication (4 Ways)

There’s a reason blockbuster action movies make your pulse quicken, or Pixar animations can make you teary-eyed. Images can have an impact, and visual storytelling can be powerful. In the movie Wall-E, the main character is a robot who doesn’t really speak (aside from chirps and whistles), and yet we feel empathy for this machine.

Fortunately, you don’t have to work in an animation studio to communicate effectively in a visual medium. Here are four ways to make your work more visual (and powerful!):

Cut Words from Your PowerPoints

If a PowerPoint presentation is too text-heavy people either A) get bored or B) focus so much on reading the slides that they don’t pay attention to what you’re saying. One way to avoid this is to cut down on the words in your slides. Instead, use images, graphs, and videos to convey your message. This will help your audience stay engaged and make your presentation more memorable.

Use Infographics

Infographics are a great way to present data in a visually appealing way and can be used to show data trends, compare statistics, or explain complex ideas. Instead of just giving your audience a list of numbers, turn that data into a graphic that tells a story. This can help your audience better understand the information and make it more impactful. There are many online tools (such as Canva) that make it easy to create your own infographics, even if you don’t have a design background.

Tell a Story

Humans have been using stories to communicate for thousands of years, and for good reason. A good story can capture an audience’s attention and keep them engaged. Try to incorporate storytelling into your presentations or reports. This can be done by using anecdotes, case studies, or personal experiences to illustrate your point. Not only will your audience be more interested, but they will also be more likely to remember the information you’re presenting.

Use Color

Color can evoke emotions and influence our moods. Use this to your advantage by incorporating color into your visual content. Choose colors that are appropriate for the message you’re trying to convey. For example, blue can be calming and trustworthy, while red can be energetic and passionate. Colors are also a great way to present a concept—I rely on the colors of the Insights® Discovery color wheel to talk about individuals’ and teams’ communication preferences, ways of processing information, dynamics, and more.

Just make sure to choose colors that are visually appealing, are not too distracting, and make sense with whatever you’re presenting.

Communicating effectively is crucial in today’s world, and using visual storytelling is a powerful way to do so. By following the tips mentioned above, you can create visually appealing content that captures your audience’s attention, conveys your message clearly, and stays with them long after the presentation or report is over. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different visual elements and techniques to find what works best for you and your audience. With practice and persistence, you too can harness the power of visual storytelling to communicate your ideas effectively.

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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