Career & Office

Become a Better Hybrid Project Manager…

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On a hybrid project, communication and coordination become both more critical and more challenging. Here are some strategies to ensure your hybrid team is set up for success.

When assembling your project team, start by considering logistics. Will the work be more collaborative or independent? Select a collection of team members best situated to work in the team’s dominant style.

Then clarify terms and expectations. When you’re running a hybrid team, it’s essential to be absolutely clear on project goals, deadlines, and constraints; what information gets shared via which communication channel; what warrants a synchronous meeting; and what warrants after-hours contact. Keep these norms documented in a place that’s easy to update, and check in on them frequently.

Next, make sure everyone is set up with the same digital platforms, tools, and systems. On a hybrid team, your software is also your common workspace. Emphasize this point and conduct trainings for any members who need it, and give people some wiggle room to use tools of their choice for any work they’re doing independently.

Finally, make the most of synchronous work. Schedule meetings with intention instead of viewing them as the default collaboration method. And to ensure remote team members aren’t at a disadvantage, make use of tools like digital whiteboards and implement a process for turn-taking. And remember, not every meeting needs to include everyone—don’t underestimate the power of one-on-ones.

Commit to Kindness at Work…

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When anxiety is high and morale is low, kindness isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Being kind doesn’t only benefit the people around you; research shows it also benefits your own mental health.

Here’s how to be kinder at work.

First, remember that being kind to others starts with being kind to yourself. Set priorities and boundaries, and take time to recharge when you need it. Once you meet your own needs, you can turn your attention to others.

Next, be intentional about establishing and sustaining relationships at work—especially if you’re on a remote or hybrid team. Make plans to meet virtually or in person with your colleagues. Ask about their pets, their recent move, or their family. Most importantly, practice active listening. Showing someone that you genuinely care about what they have to say is an impactful display of kindness.

And don’t be shy about giving your colleagues authentic praise. Recognizing and acknowledging people lets them know you appreciate them and their contributions.

Finally, be conscientious with your feedback. When you know your teammates more deeply, you can also better understand how to offer them honest, constructive input on their work. Being kind means offering feedback for the betterment of the person receiving it—and the overall success of your company.

Delegate Like a Boss…

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It’s frustrating when you try to delegate a project and it doesn’t get done correctly or on time. But it’s not necessarily the other person’s fault — the problem is often in your approach to delegation. You might be either too involved, or not involved enough. If you jump in too early after the handoff, your colleague never has the opportunity to take ownership. On the flip side, you need to provide enough guidance to set the person up for success. So think of yourself as a coach, and ask open-ended questions, such as, “How would our chief competitor respond to this strategy?” Another reason your attempts to delegate may fail is because the recipient lacks initiative or follow-through.

In this case, make sure you’ve communicated your expectations. You might share a one-page document that lists top priorities, signals the kind of work you plan to reward, and provides accountability. Finally, be careful about your expectations around timing. You might think a task is “quick,” but you probably didn’t think so the first time you were asked to do it. So ask the other person for a time estimate, and if it doesn’t sound right, ask about their process. Having this conversation early on will help the two of you get on the same page and will save you a headache down the road.

Explain Why You’re Asking Your Team to Do Something…

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When people know why they’re being asked to do something, they’re much more likely to do it. So next time you’re preparing to deliver an important message to your team, make sure you’re clear on the “why” behind it. Start by asking yourself a few “what” questions, such as: What are the stakes? What will the future look like if we get this done? Next, figure out how to clearly articulate your reasoning.

Think about what action you’re asking your team to take, and then follow it with a clear, well-practiced explanation. For example: We need to improve our hiring practices, because our current process isn’t attracting a diverse enough pool of candidates. And be prepared to answer follow-up questions and explain the process that led to the decision.

You’ll be more persuasive if you share ideas that you considered, explored, tested, and then abandoned. This level of transparency will keep your team motivated to pursue the task at hand.

Contribute, Don’t worry about perfection…

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In our pursuit of making a difference or achieving goals, the desire for perfection or waiting for the perfect time can often hold us back. We’re conditioned to seek flawless execution or ideal circumstances before contributing, but the truth is, that progress doesn’t always emerge from perfection or perfect timing.

Contribution is about taking action, making a difference, and adding value without fixating on being flawless or waiting for the stars to align. It’s about embracing imperfection as a part of the journey towards growth and success.

When we prioritize contribution over perfection:

  1. Initiative Takes Center Stage: By taking action despite imperfections, we showcase our willingness to initiate change and learn from our experiences.
  2. Learning Becomes Invaluable: Embracing the process of contributing, even imperfectly, fosters learning, improvement, and personal development through hands-on experiences.
  3. Adaptability Shines: Being ready to contribute in less-than-ideal situations nurtures adaptability and resilience—skills crucial in navigating uncertain environments.
  4. Opportunities Get Seized: Acting when opportunities arise, irrespective of perfect conditions, often leads to progress and achievement.
  5. Progress is Incremental: Understanding that progress often stems from imperfect steps encourages continuous improvement and propels us forward.

Remember, waiting for perfection or the perfect moment might result in missed opportunities. The magic happens when we embrace imperfection and contribute regardless. It’s about making a difference, learning along the way, and evolving into our better selves.

So, let’s embrace the power of contribution. Step forward, take action, and make your mark. Progress over perfection—it’s the path to growth and success.

Networking When You’re a Senior Leader…

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Networking for a job can feel increasingly difficult as you move up the ranks. As a senior leader, why does career networking feel so uncomfortable—and how can you overcome the challenges? Start by acknowledging that your success might have led to a reluctance to ask for help. It’s natural to value self-reliance or to want to uphold an image of strength. But reaching out to your contacts doesn’t have to feel like an admission of weakness.

Start by making a list of all your valuable contacts, then ease into the process by contacting the ones you trust and know well. While it may feel tempting to be secretive about your situation or aspirations, obfuscating the truth will only lead to more stress and a less fruitful connection. So, if you’ve been let go or are looking for a new opportunity, just say that.

And remember: Regardless of your seniority, networking is a long-term process that won’t lead to fast results. Be patient and stay humble as you go through the process.

Silence Your Inner Critic Before Your Next Job Interview…

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Job interviews can make even the most confident person question themselves. But it’s important to quash those negative thoughts so that you can allow your best self to shine.

First, remember that the interview isn’t about proving your technical expertise or subject-matter mastery. You already demonstrated that in your application, and the interviewers want to know what it will be like to work with you. So let go of needing the interview to be technically perfect.

As with every skill, the more you do it, the better you’ll be, so practice, practice, and practice some more. As your aptitude improves, so will your confidence level. Manage your anxiety by focusing on the elements you can control. For example, if you’re worried about arriving on time, try taking multiple routes to your destination before the day of the interview to see which one gets you there fastest. Above all, put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes. Articulate the team’s needs as you understand them, and tell a story of how you’ve solved similar problems.

Following these tips will help you overcome your nerves and place yourself head and shoulders above the competition.

5 Tips for Giving a Persuasive Presentation…

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When you need to sell an idea at work or in a presentation, how do you do it? Five rhetorical devices can help — Aristotle identified them 2,000 years ago, and masters of persuasion still use them today:

  • Ethos. Start your talk by establishing your credibility and character. Show your audience that you are committed to the welfare of others, and you will gain their trust.
  • Logos. Use data, evidence, and facts to support your pitch.
  • Pathos. People are moved to action by how a speaker makes them feel. Wrap your big idea in a story that will elicit an emotional reaction.
  • Metaphor. Compare your idea to something that is familiar to your audience. It will help you clarify your argument by making the abstract concrete.
  • Brevity. Explain your idea in as few words as possible. People have a limited attention span, so talk about your strongest points first.

Show Senior Leaders That You Can Think Strategically…

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Being able to think strategically is important, but to get ahead, you have to show your boss and other senior leaders that you can do it. One of the best ways to showcase your skill is to bring a point of view to an important conversation. During a meeting where strategy is being discussed, for example, ask yourself whether those present know where you stand. If they don’t, speak up and share your perspective.

Higher-ups want to see that you don’t make decisions in a vacuum, so be sure that your point of view considers how other departments might be affected or how the outside world will respond. Also, show that you can use your knowledge to put new ideas into action. No matter your level in the organization, you can execute a project that demonstrates that your understanding of the business extends beyond your current role. Leaders will know you’re ready to be promoted when they know you can make decisions that position the company for the future.

What to Do When You Receive an Upsetting Email…

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When you receive an email that’s critical, hostile, or just plain rude, it can ruin your whole day. Here’s how to keep your emotions in check and respond rationally and professionally.

First, take your time. You don’t need to reply immediately. Give yourself a pause to really analyze the message, calm down, and think clearly before you craft your response.

Then, before you say anything else, thank the sender for taking the time to communicate their message to you. Even if they used a negative tone, make sure yours is positive.

Explain your perspective without blame or bluster. Keep in mind that this is only the start of the conversation. There may be facts that your counterpart was unaware of. You can use their email as an opportunity to share where you’re coming from.

Next, clarify the core issue. Communicate where the disconnect happened between you and the sender and ask follow-up questions to better understand what needs to be resolved.

Finally, focus on solutions. Once you understand the problem at hand, concentrate your attention—and your reader’s—on the future, where positive change can occur.