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Tag Archives: Margaret Smith minneapolis

October 2, 2024 Letting Go of Perfection: Embracing Trial and Error

Many of us are terrified to fail. Whether we’re taking on a new project, giving a presentation, starting a new hobby, or making a major transition, the fear of failure can stop us in our tracks and prevent us from fully taking on the endeavor. But what would happen if we didn’t worry so much about failure? What if we embraced the idea that trial and error is just fine?

How Trial and Error Spurs Innovation

By letting go of the fear of failure, we open ourselves to new possibilities and opportunities for growth. We free ourselves to go out on a limb, get creative, or take paths we might not normally take. This is how innovation and growth happen—when our comfort zones are stretched and we’re willing to explore the unknown.

Embracing trial and error allows us to experiment, learn, and refine our approach. Even if we don’t get it right the first time, each attempt provides valuable feedback and brings us closer to our goal. By letting go of the need for perfection, we can focus on the journey and find joy in the process.

Ultimately, trial and error is not only a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, but also a way to spur innovation, find creative solutions, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. By being open to failure and embracing the learning process, we can unlock new avenues for success and discover unexpected breakthroughs.

What Happens When You Fail?

Failure is a natural part of the human existence, and most of the time we can bounce back from these minor setbacks. Unless you are a NASA scientist or a surgeon, you likely have some room for error! If a presentation is flat or your idea flops, it is usually possible to use these moments as learning experiences. Rather than viewing a failure as an excuse to give up, try reframing it as an opportunity—a chance to grow, learn, and rethink the road ahead.

When you adopt this type of “opportunity thinking,” you can start to see failures as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Each misstep provides valuable feedback and a chance to refine your approach. By embracing this mindset, you can turn failures into fuel for growth and use them to propel you forward, rather than letting them hold you back. With a willingness to experiment and learn from your mistakes, you open the door to new discoveries and breakthroughs that may have been inaccessible had you played it safe.

When my coaching and speaking business was brand new, I was willing to take on all types of projects, clients, and assignments, even if I suspected they were not the best fit. This allowed me a chance to experiment, to figure out where I thrived and where I fell short. Furthermore, it gave me the opportunity to build my skills, gain experience, and better understand my ideal clients and offerings. While some of those early projects were not a perfect match, they provided invaluable lessons that ultimately helped me refine my business and find greater success. By embracing trial and error, I was able to iterate, improve, and discover new avenues for growth that may have remained hidden had I played it safe from the start.

Keep in mind, mistakes and missteps are not signs of weakness, but rather opportunities to learn and improve. When we approach life with a willingness to experiment and try new things, we cultivate a mindset of curiosity and resilience that can serve us well in all aspects of our lives. Instead of fearing the unknown, let’s approach it with curiosity and a willingness to experiment, secure in the knowledge that even our missteps can lead us to greater achievements.

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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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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