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November 8, 2023 Finding Balance Amid Holiday Hubbub

For many people, this is the busiest, most hectic time of year. Even though we are expected to be joyful and cheery during our holiday parties and family gatherings, it can all feel like a bit much. Between cooking and baking, cleaning, buying gifts, AND attempting to accomplish end-of-the-year work projects, you might need a holiday from the holidays!

How can you achieve some kind of balance (and the occasional break) amid the holiday hubbub? How can you check off everything on your to-do list and find time for yourself? I suggest approaching this time of year with intentionality. Here are 5 ways to do so:

Delegate What You Can

You don’t have to take on everything yourself. In some cases, it makes sense to delegate little projects or tasks to others (as long as that person has the time and necessary skills). Ask your spouse or another family member to do some of the holiday gift shopping. See if your tech-savvy co-worker has the capacity to put together that spreadsheet. Ask if anyone else is interested in spearheading the office holiday party/garden club gift exchange/nativity pageant. You never know if others’ have the time, capacity, or interest unless you ask.

Settle For Second-Best

It can be helpful to reject the mentality that everything has to be “perfect.” Your apple pie doesn’t have to be homemade. Your house doesn’t have to be flawlessly clean and decorated for guests. You don’t have to put on a Pinterest-worthy holiday spread. Settling for second-best can help relieve the pressure to have everything perfect and allow you to focus on what really matters: spending time with loved ones and enjoying the holiday season.

Say No

Occasionally, it makes sense to just say no. You don’t have to attend every holiday party or event, especially if it causes too much stress or takes away from your own well-being. Learn to prioritize your time and energy by saying no to things that don’t align with your values or bring you joy. It’s okay to set boundaries and protect your own mental and emotional health during this busy season.

Schedule “You Time”

If you’re like many people, if it doesn’t make it onto the calendar, it simply isn’t happening. Set aside time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s reading a book, scheduling a massage, going for a walk in nature, or practicing mindfulness. By building self-care into your calendar, you ensure that you have dedicated time to recharge and rejuvenate amidst the chaos.

Practice Gratitude

In the midst of the holiday rush, take a moment to practice gratitude. Reflect on the things you are grateful for and acknowledge the positive aspects of your life. This can help shift your focus away from the stress and busyness and bring a sense of calm and contentment. Consider jotting down things and people you are grateful for, or sharing your gratitude with loved ones during holiday gatherings. Cultivating gratitude can help you find balance and appreciate the true meaning of the holiday season.

Finding balance during the holiday season is not only essential for our wellbeing, it simply makes sense. Why go through all the effort of planning get togethers and doing all the little seasonal “extras” if you’re not going to enjoy the moment. Embrace imperfection and focus on what truly matters: connecting with loved ones and enjoying the holiday spirit. As you continue through this busy time, prioritize self-care and gratitude. By doing so, you can find balance and, as they say, “make the season bright.”

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 11, 2023 Leaders: Managing Conflict with Confidence and Tact

Conflict is one of the unfortunate inevitabilities you, as a leader, will have to face at some point or another in your career. Whether you’re stomping out little workplace fires, or facing a full-on blaze of contention, it’s best to prepare yourself for conflict.

Unless you’re currently in the middle of a dealing with a crisis, you can’t be certain of what types of conflict you will have to deal with. Even so, there are some general rules of thumb and best practices you can follow. Here are 7 guidelines for facing conflict with confidence, tact, and a level head.

Build Trust

Set the stage for effective conflict management by building trust within your team. When trust is established, your people will come to you early on when they are experiencing a hardship, rather than wait until it reaches a boiling point.

Gather the Facts

When acting as a mediator or conflict manager, it is essential to gather as many facts about the situation as possible. This includes speaking with all parties involved, reviewing any relevant documentation or evidence, and seeking out different perspectives on the issue. By gathering the facts, you can make informed decisions and avoid jumping to conclusions or making biased judgments.

Create a Safe Space for Communication

Conflict resolution requires open and honest communication. As a leader, it’s important to create a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves. Encourage active listening, empathy, and respect during discussions, and set ground rules for constructive dialogue.

Clarify Expectations

Miscommunication and misunderstandings often contribute to workplace conflicts. Take the time to clarify expectations, roles, and responsibilities to minimize potential conflicts. Ensure that everyone understands their tasks, deadlines, and the overall objectives.

Listen (and Encourage Others to Do the Same)

A major part of conflict management is practicing active listening. That means actually paying attention to what others are saying instead of thinking up an immediate response. It also means attempting to empathize with their situation—to place yourself in their shoes. If people are talking over each other or not paying attention, give them a gentle reminder that listening is key to resolving the issue at hand.

Collaborate on a Plan

You do not have to be the only person to propose an action plan to resolve the conflict—in fact, it’s better to get the input and ideas of those affected by, or who have a stake in, the conflict. By collaborating on a plan, you can ensure that everyone’s needs and perspectives are taken into account. This will help in finding a solution that is fair and mutually beneficial.

Address the Root Cause

To effectively manage conflict, it’s important to address the root cause rather than just treating the symptoms. Take the time to identify the underlying issues that contributed to the conflict and work towards resolving them. By doing so, you can prevent similar conflicts from arising in the future.

Remember, conflict is not always a negative thing. It can present an opportunity for growth, learning, and innovation. As a leader, it’s your role to navigate conflicts in a constructive manner and foster a positive work environment. By following these guidelines and practicing effective conflict management, you can help resolve conflicts effectively and also prevent them from escalating in the first place.

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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May 10, 2023 Sustainable Business Practices to Create a Greener Workplace

Photo by Danist Soh on Unsplash

Earth Day has come and gone, but sustainability is important all year long, both in and out of the workplace. It’s not too difficult to live an eco-friendly lifestyle at home—buying organic or locally-grown foods, recycling, reducing your energy usage, walking or cycling to nearby places instead of driving. However, it may be a little trickier to apply sustainability efforts to the workplace. You might have to get many people on board with your initiatives, or you might have to make major changes. However, there are steps you can take. Here are seven ideas for promoting sustainability and creating eco-friendly changes in the workplace:

Implement a composting and recycling program

Businesses can reduce waste and their carbon footprint by implementing a composting and recycling program. Composting food waste and plant matter can reduce greenhouse gases in landfills, while recycling can reduce the need for new products to be created, and save energy and natural resources. Educate employees on what can and cannot be composted or recycled, and provide bins and containers in convenient locations around the workplace. Make sure to have a system for regular pick-up and disposal of compost and recycling to keep the workplace clean and free of clutter.

Promote Energy-Saving Practices

Energy-saving practices can reduce the amount of energy used by businesses, and in turn, reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Businesses could consider swapping to energy-saving light bulbs and unplugging electronics (and even chargers) when not in use. Make sure you also encourage employees to turn off their workstations when they are not in use. Consider scheduling maintenance checks for HVAC systems and other appliances to make sure they are running smoothly and efficiently. Or, if your company is willing to upgrade its space, consider advocating for motion sensors or timers for certain lights.

Reduce Paper Usage

While using paper is sometimes necessary, excessive usage is wasteful and can add up quickly! Encourage employees to avoid printing when possible and instead rely on digital copies. When printing is required, use double-sided printing or print on recycled paper. Promote emailing instead of sending physical mail, and encourage employees to recycle paper when they’re done using it.

Encourage Alternative Transportation

Encouraging employees to carpool, walk, bike, or take a commuter train/bus to work can greatly reduce the carbon footprint of your organization. Consider offering incentives such as preferred parking spots, rewards, or recognition programs to promote alternative transportation. Encourage video conferencing and virtual meetings when possible to save on travel costs and to reduce energy usage.

Go Green with Office Supplies

Businesses can take steps to use eco-friendly materials in the office, such as energy-efficient light bulbs, recycled office supplies, and plastic alternatives (bamboo is often a great affordable option). Employees might also take individual actions, such as using products like refillable pens, reusable water bottles, and recycled paper products.

Create a Green Team

Get a group of volunteers together to form a green team. This team can help educate fellow employees, lead sustainability efforts, and host special eco-friendly events in the workplace. Having a green team is a fun way to encourage everyone to participate in sustainable practices.

Offer Telecommuting Options

Consider offering telecommuting options for employees, as it can greatly reduce carbon emissions and save energy (not to mention commuting time!). This can also be a great way to improve work-life balance for your team.

Make sustainability a part of your company culture. Encourage and reward employees who make efforts to be eco-friendly, and consider incorporating sustainable practices into your company’s mission statement. By making sustainability a priority, you can create a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, so start by implementing one or two of these ideas and continue building from there. With a little effort and creativity, your business can work towards a greener 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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