Thriving Back in the Office

Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 1/13/2024

Amplifying Your Voice in Meetings

As we navigate a return to in-office settings, effective communication in meetings has never been more important. Yet, many competent and dynamic professionals—particularly women—find themselves sidelined in high-level discussions. The issue isn't about competence; it's about strategy. Let’s explore practical steps to make your voice heard and your contributions count.

1. Power of the Pre- or Post-Meeting
   One key insight from senior executives is the value of informal conversations before and after meetings. Often, critical alliances and ideas take shape during casual exchanges. Arriving early/debriefing afterward fosters connecting with colleagues to provide clarity of the meeting’s real purpose and sets you up for success. These moments are opportunities to test ideas and build rapport—like “pre- or post-gaming” of the main event.
   
   
2. Prepare to Be Spontaneous
   While polished presentations have their place, mastering conversational contributions is essential. Prepare concise, impactful points in advance. These serve as discussion springboards or allow you to redirect conversations effectively with strategic questions like, “Have you considered…?” or “What if we explored…?”
   
   
3. Choose "Muscular" Language
   Assertive, active voice commands attention and respect in a fast-paced environment. Instead of hedging (“I think we could…”), opt for decisive phrasing (“We can…”). Take ownership of your ideas with confidence and clarity.
   
   
4. Maintain Composure Under Pressure
   Passion is a double-edged sword—too much is misconstrued as emotional, while too little may seem disengaged. Aim for a calm, steady tone, even in heated discussions. If challenged, view it as an intellectual exercise versus a personal attack. Compartmentalizing emotional reactions helps maintain focus and professionalism.
   
   
5. Cultivate Peer and Organizational Support
   While individual effort matters, organizational culture plays a significant role in enabling diverse voices to thrive. Leaders who encourage participation by directly inviting input, ensure balanced representation, while offering constructive feedback. A simple nudge, “What are your thoughts?”—goes a long way in fostering camaraderie.

Resources for Deeper Insights

Books and Guides

1. HBR Guide for Women at Work (Harvard Business Review)
   • Offers practical advice for overcoming workplace challenges, including making your voice heard in meetings.
     
     
2. Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy
   • Focuses on building confidence and presence in high-pressure situations, such as executive meetings.

Articles

1. “Make Your Voice Heard in Meetings” (Harvard Business Review)
   • Detailed strategies for effective communication, particularly for women in male-focused settings.
     
     
2. “Women at Work Podcast Series” (Harvard Business Review)
   • Explores the nuanced challenges women face in the workplace with actionable insights from industry experts.

Workshops and Training

1. Toastmasters International - https://www.toastmasters.org/
   • Provides an environment to practice public speaking and build confidence for high-stakes meetings.
     
     
2. Lean In Circles - About Circles
   • Small peer groups where professionals can discuss challenges and share strategies to amplify their voices.

Tools and Techniques

1. Meeting Checklists (e.g., from Asana or Trello)
   • Help professionals prepare effectively for meetings, ensuring they are armed with data and strategic points.
     
     
2. Apps for Voice Analysis (e.g., Vocalytics)
   • Allow users to analyze and refine their tone, pacing, and authority when speaking.

Take Charge of Your Presence
Navigating meetings is an art, and honing your approach elevates your impact. Whether it’s by leveraging informal discussions, preparing for spontaneity, or advocating for support, each step builds confidence and influence. The time to claim your seat at the table is now—because your voice needs to be heard.

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak;
courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
~ Winston Churchill

We invite you to sign up for our newsletters and class notices to stay informed about our classes, valuable life skills content, and updates. Join us on the journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Let's build a foundation for success in life and our world together.

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Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 12/30/2024

 New Year’s Resolutions < Goals < SMART Goals < Habits

As we begin 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year and set meaningful goals/habits for 2025.

Setting SMART Goals for 2025: A Simple Guide

Using the SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—can help you create clear and attainable habits. Here’s a straightforward process to help set effective goals for 2025 (see EXAMPLES below).

1. Specific - Your goals should be clear and specific. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” specify what you want to achieve. For example, “I want to run a 5K race by July 2025.”
   
   
2. Measurable - Measure and track progress. For instance, “I will run three times a week and increase my distance by 10% each week.”
   
   
3. Achievable - Set attainable goals for who you are. If you’re new to running, completing a marathon in a month is unlikely. Instead, start with a 10–15-minute run near home and gradually work your way up:  set gradual time and distance thresholds weekly.
   
   
4. Relevant - Your ultimate goal should align with your life objectives. Ask yourself: “Why is this goal important to you?” For example, “Running a 5K will improve my health and give me a sense of accomplishing a victory.”
   
   
5. Time-bound - Set a deadline to create a sense of urgency. “I will complete a 5K race by July 2025” (30 weeks) gives a clear timeframe.

EXAMPLE: SMART Goal for 2025

Goal: Run a 5K race by July 2025.

Specific: I want to run a 5K race.

Measurable: I will track my running distance and time each week.

Achievable: I will start with short runs and gradually increase my distance.

Relevant: I will improve my physical health and provide a sense of achievement.

Time-bound: I will complete the race by July 2025.

EXAMPLE: 5K Tracking for 30 weeks

If you're starting from zero to run a 5K in 30 weeks, a safe approach would be to increase your weekly running distance by 10-15% each week.  This means adding a small amount of mileage each week, gradually building up your endurance to reach 5K by the end of the 30 weeks.  

Key points to remember:

• Start slow:  Begin with short runs, incorporating walking breaks as needed, and focus on consistency over distance.
  
  
• Follow the 10% rule:  A common guideline is to increase your weekly mileage by no more than 10% each week to prevent injury.
  
  
• Listen to your body:  If you experience significant pain, take rest days and adjust your training plan accordingly. 

 Sample training progression (assuming you start with a 1-mile run):

• Week 1: Run 1 mile, 3 days a week
• Week 2: Run 1.1 miles, 3 days a week
• Week 3: Run 1.2 miles, 3 days a week
• Week 4: Run 1.3 miles, 3 days a week
• Week 5: Run 1.4 miles, 3 days a week, etc.
• Add a 10% longer run each week

 Important considerations:

• Run/Walk Method:  In the beginning, using a "run/walk" approach can be beneficial, alternating between running short bursts and walking recovery periods.  
• Cross-training:  Incorporate other enjoyable activities like swimming or cycling to support overall fitness and prevent overuse injuries.  
• Consult a professional:  If you have any medical concerns, consult a doctor or certified running coach for a personalized training plan. 

 Tips for Success:                                                                  

• Break it Down: Divide your goal into small, manageable tasks. For example, start with running 1 mile, then 2 miles, and so on.
• Stay Motivated: Keep a simple journal, calendar, or spreadsheet of your progress and celebrate victories along the way.
• Seek Support: Join a running group or find a workout buddy to help keep you accountable.

More Resources:

Atomic Habits: Goal Setting: A Scientific Guide to Setting and Achieving Goals (jamesclear.com)

BetterUp: Offers insights on setting and achieving goals.

LivePlan: Provides a detailed guide on avoiding common pitfalls when setting goals.

Noom: Explains the SMART goal framework and its benefits.

Todoist: Provides templates to help you plan and track your goals.

What’s your strategy for your 2025 goal(s)?

I want to hear ‘wins’ and ‘AHAs’ from other winning strategists in LifeSkills Academy’s 2025-ALIVE TO THRIVE GOAL-GETTERS
(Facebook group on LifeSkills Academy).

At LifeSkills Academy, we equip individuals with essential life skills. Our e-learning classes cover a range of topics: Etiquette/Social Intelligence, Financial Skills, and Personal Organization. Our dedicated team of educators—seasoned business professionals, all boast proven success in the world of commerce.

We invite you to sign up for our newsletters and class notices to stay informed about our classes, valuable life skills content, and updates. Join us on the journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Let's build a foundation for success in life and our world together. 

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Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 12/30/2024

🎉✨ Happy New Year! May 2025 bring you endless joy, success, and unforgettable moments with those you cherish most. Here’s to new adventures, exciting opportunities, and a year filled with happiness and love! 🥂🎆

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