Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor
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Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking better questions. This week, notice how often you jump in to solve instead of slowing down to listen. Try replacing advice with curiosity: “What do you think the best next step is?” or “What’s getting in your way?” You’ll be surprised how capable people become when they’re trusted to think it through. As leaders, our real impact shows up in how…
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” …………………..Martin Luther King Jr. Make it a great day!
You know that trust is essential to good leadership—but do you have a reliable way to measure it? Instead of relying on gut instinct or vague proxies like engagement scores, you need to start measuring, tracking, and managing trust in your organization the same way you do other key metrics like financial performance or customer satisfaction. Here’s how. Choose the right tool. Start by selecting a measurement model that fits…
As we step into a new year filled with possibility, one of the most powerful commitments we can make is also one of the simplest: choosing kindness. In a fast-paced, results-driven world, kindness is often underestimated, yet it has a remarkable ability to strengthen relationships, elevate workplace culture, and create meaningful connections. Small, intentional acts—offering encouragement, listening without distraction, or expressing appreciation—can have a ripple effect far beyond the moment,…
No matter what industry you’re in or how long you’ve been in it, the ability to learn is an essential skill. But it’s not as simple as acquiring knowledge. It’s a regular practice of trying out new things and seeing the world in new ways. So conduct experiments as part of your daily work, whether it’s using a new productivity tool or trying out a new approach to meetings. Keep…
When you’re feeling down, it can be hard to focus on work. The lower energy you feel, the less you do, the worse you feel emotionally, and the cycle continues. Fortunately, being productive can help interrupt that negative spiral and turn it around. Start by scheduling two types of activities daily: those that provide a sense of accomplishment and those that provide pleasure. These can be very simple — for…
You’ve heard it time and time again: overwork is bad for you. It hurts your productivity — and your health. So give yourself permission to dial it back, even just a little. Start by noticing the story you’re telling yourself about work. For example, if you find yourself working on a weekend or responding to emails after hours, pause. Take a couple of minutes to reflect on and even write…
So much of our success depends on building relationships with our colleagues. But how can you build rapport in an authentic way? Here are four strategies. Find ways to make yourself well rounded. You need something to talk about with your colleagues so it’s important to have interests and hobbies. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn? A book you’ve been meaning to read or a show you’ve been…
Do you have a hard time voicing your thoughts at work, even — especially — when you want to? You’re not alone. The important thing to remember is that your lack of confidence isn’t an inherent flaw. Confidence can be learned and practiced. Here are a couple of steps to help you get started. Step 1: Connect with yourself. Take the time to understand who you are, where your motivations…
Difficult conversations are difficult for a reason, and when you’re anxious or stressed out, it’s easy to say the wrong thing. To keep the interaction from going sideways, avoid these common mistakes. Don’t assume your perspective is obvious. Steer clear of phrases like “clearly,” “obviously,” or “without a doubt,” which are likely to insult your counterpart. Don’t exaggerate. Skip any statements that start with “You always…” or “You never…” They’re…