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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Tag Archives: Margaret Smith Twin Cities

February 18, 2026 Small Actions Matter

It is easy to feel small—a little fish in the big, wide ocean. It is easy to feel like your work, your actions, and your words don’t matter. But they do. In fact, small actions are the foundation of major change.

Minor, everyday actions are important in all aspects of life—in work, personal life, and society. We never know how a kind word or meaningful gesture might land. We don’t know how a donation or volunteer stint might improve someone else’s life. These things have ripple effects. The compliment you give someone at the grocery store could brighten that person’s day, which might lead them to give a server an extra tip, which could make it easier for that person to pay rent that month. The point is to try—to intentionally and continually make choices that could potentially have a positive impact.

If we think on a broad scale too often, we might feel overwhelmed or helpless. It can be difficult to see how your actions and words make a difference when you’re up against a large or complex problem, but if you shrink your thinking just a little, it can be easier to fathom how you’re moving the needle. And when many people work together, that needle can be moved even faster and more assertively. There is power in numbers—we see it in mass protests, boycotts, and other actions of solidarity. One example: thirty years ago, smoking was widely accepted, and many establishments catered to smokers. The number of smokers plummeted, however, due to many factors (anti-smoking campaigns, informed consumers, smoking bans, etc.). But the plummeting number of smokers was made possible by individual decisions—one person choosing to quit here, another person choosing to quit there. Together, these individual decisions created meaningful change. They created a movement.

Another example that comes to mind when I think of meaningful change has to do with the workplace. When I was a manager at 3M, I used to compose handwritten thank you cards to my team members when they did outstanding or “above and beyond” work. One time, I was riding along with a sales rep when I noticed my thank you card tucked into his visor. When I asked him about it, he told me he would glance at it whenever he needed a reminder that he was skilled at this work and could make the sale, even when his confidence was lacking. I had no idea my message to him would resonate so deeply, and this was an excellent reminder of the power of small gestures.

Next time you’re feeling small, helpless, or overwhelmed, I suggest reminding yourself that you can only do what is within your power. You can affect your personal, professional, or societal sphere in small, but meaningful, ways. It’s difficult to know what your actions might achieve, but I encourage you to try anyway. Positive change is only possible when we choose to act—to do whatever we can. Your small actions matter, and they can add up to something great.

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.

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August 21, 2024 How Sitting Still Can Be Productive

We live in a culture that rewards “go getters” and highly motivated people. We expect quick turnarounds and instantaneous results. Because of our fast-paced world, we tend to equate productivity with action. Send off a couple hundred emails, make advances in your project, attend that after-work networking event—all this activity can seem like progress and productivity…but is it?

Sometimes, work for work’s sake can actually be counterproductive. If, for example, you never pause to consider your trajectory, you might inadvertently head in the wrong direction (OR you might neglect to consider an alternative path you could take).

Additionally, if you never take time to rest and recharge, you may end up burning out. We all have a limited capacity in our “personal batteries.” If you’re barreling forward without the occasional pause, you risk depleting those reserves and being unable to perform at your best.

Taking time to sit still, reflect, and recharge can actually make you more productive in the long run. It allows you to gain perspective, identify areas for improvement, and come back to your work with renewed energy and focus. Embracing moments of stillness and contemplation can be a powerful tool for enhancing your productivity and achieving your goals.

Here are a few ideas to help you remember to pause, reflect, and perhaps re-strategize before moving forward:

Schedule Regular Reflection Time

Set aside a recurring block of time, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes, to pause and reflect on your progress, challenges, and next steps. This could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Consider jotting your ideas in a notebook or a Google doc.

Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing to help you be present and attentive to your thoughts and feelings. This can provide clarity and perspective.

Seek Outside Perspectives

Talk to a mentor, colleague, or trusted friend about your work. Getting an outside viewpoint can reveal blind spots or uncover new possibilities.

Take Breaks

Regularly step away from your work to give your mind a chance to rest and recharge. Even short breaks to stretch, go for a walk, or engage in a hobby can help you return to your tasks with renewed energy and focus.

Embrace Solitude

Carve out time for solitude, whether it’s a quiet morning routine or an evening without distractions. Use this time to reflect, journal, or simply allow your mind to wander without the pressure of productivity.

By incorporating these practices, you can create space for productive contemplation and self-reflection. This can help you gain clarity, identify areas for growth, and approach your work with renewed purpose and focus. Remember, true productivity is not about constant motion, but about strategically pausing, reflecting, and then taking purposeful action. Embrace the power of stillness to enhance your overall productivity and achieve your goals more 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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April 24, 2024 How to Stand Out (in a good way!)

In my experience, promotions, raises, and accolades are given to those who stand out in a good way. There are plenty of ways to stand out that are not necessarily positive or helpful to the company. And then there’s the opposite phenomenon: blending in. Those who are forgettable or who do the bare minimum are rarely first in line for promotions or pay raises. In short, it’s a balancing act.

How do you stand out in the right ways? How can you catch the attention of your company’s decision-makers and leaders? Here are 6 potential approaches:

Ask Good Questions

In my experience, asking good questions does not show weakness or a lack of knowledge. Rather, it demonstrates engagement and a sense of curiosity. You might ask questions to clarify something (e.g., a follow-up question at a meeting), to involve others in the conversation (“What if we had Teresa take a look?”), and as a way to spark an engaged group discussion. Those who are engaged (and who lead discussions) get noticed.

Seek Self Improvement

If you’re aiming for a promotion, consider pursuing projects that challenge you and expand your abilities. Seek out mentorship opportunities, online courses, or workshops to enhance your knowledge base and grow as a professional. By consistently striving for self-improvement and demonstrating a commitment to your own development, you’ll not only stand out in the eyes of decision-makers within your organization but also position yourself as a valuable asset for future advancement opportunities.

Create Waves…Without Capsizing the Boat

There are tactful ways to make positive changes in an organization, and get noticed in the process. Before endeavoring to make a major change, it is wise to be thoughtful and considerate of others’ viewpoints. Seek feedback from colleagues and stakeholders to refine your ideas before jumping in with both feet. Remember, the key is to create waves that propel the organization forward without causing disruption that may negatively impact team dynamics or overall performance.

Seek Advocates and Sponsors

While a mentor can help you grow and develop your skills, an advocate or sponsor can help you land your next promotion. These are people who can actively vouch for your abilities and support your career advancement by recommending you for opportunities within the organization. Building strong relationships with advocates and sponsors can significantly boost your visibility and credibility, making you more likely to be considered for key projects or roles. Seek out individuals who believe in your potential and are willing to champion your growth within the company. Networking and fostering these connections can be instrumental in your professional journey.

Communicate Tactfully

Your communication habits matter. In general, company leadership appreciates those who tactfully relay their ideas, opinions, or grievances. Conversely, no one likes a gossiper or a complainer. Understand the effect or impact it can have on your professional image. Whether sharing ideas, offering feedback, or addressing concerns, remember to do so tactfully and professionally.

Innovate and Get Creative

When you bring innovation and creativity to your work, you set yourself apart from the crowd. Whether it’s proposing new ideas, finding more efficient processes, or introducing unique solutions to challenges, being a creative thinker can capture the attention of decision-makers. Embrace opportunities to think outside the box, experiment with new approaches, and showcase your ability to generate fresh insights. Being an innovator not only establishes your skills but also demonstrates your potential for driving positive change within the organization.

Taking intentional steps to stand out in a positive light can significantly impact your career trajectory. By taking a few meaningful and strategic steps, you can position yourself as a valuable asset within your organization. Remember, standing out for the right reasons requires a balance of skill, strategy, and genuine commitment to professional growth.

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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