Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor
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It’s natural to go into a difficult conversation focused on what you want from the situation. But thinking only about your goals won’t give you and your counterpart the common ground necessary to resolve the conflict. You need a good understanding of what the other person’s objectives and interests are. They had a rationale for the way they’ve behaved so far (even if you don’t agree with it), so what…
If you have been following my Monday Morning Coffee (MMC) since inception, you know by now that I have volunteered every year, for the past 15 years, as a Counselor for Camp Oasis, a camp with kids that are dealing with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) which is a term for two conditions, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. I volunteer because I have been living with Crohn’s Disease since I was…
The only thing worse than having a long to-do list is not knowing how you’re going to get everything done. Timeboxing can help: It’s a way of converting your to-do list into blocks of time on your calendar, so you have a plan for what to do and when. Start by looking at your to-do list and figuring out each task’s deadlines. For example, if a promotional video has to…
Negotiations can get emotional, to say the least. Whether you’re asking for a raise, more resources for your team, or to restructure your position, you might feel anxious, reluctant, or worried. But you won’t be successful if you’re worked up, so take steps to handle your emotions. Before the negotiation, ask yourself how your counterpart might respond — and why. Doing so will help you identify potential setbacks and gather…
You don’t need grand gestures to show your employees you appreciate them. Sometimes, it’s the little, everyday things that matter most. Start by checking in with each of your employees regularly. Give them the space to share what they’re doing or working on. You should also give balanced feedback. Praise is meaningful, but employees also want to know where they can improve. Just don’t give both types of feedback at…
When you feel overwhelmed, the way you react can actually make things worse. Here are five common, self-sabotaging mistakes to watch out for — and how to avoid them: You think you don’t have time for actions that might help you. Stop waiting for an ideal moment, and do something to help yourself immediately, such as taking a day off to rest, or calling up a friend. You don’t use…
Memorial Day is in remembrance of the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces and protecting our country. As we celebrate this day, let’s not forget to stop and give thanks to those who served, and died, so that we can live in this country and enjoy the freedom we have. I give thanks and remember those men and women who died while serving and protecting…
Between work, family, and our personal lives, it’s no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed a lot of the time. If your to-do list never seems to get shorter, step back and try a new approach. For example, consider whether certain tasks are stressing you out more than others. If so, focus on those first: Finish a big project as soon as possible, or break down a complicated goal…
When we’re stressed, we talk about it. (“Ugh, I have so much to do!”) But sharing our anxieties, which makes us feel better in the moment, makes the people around us feel worse. Like a contagion, stress can spread. To manage yours better, and to spare your coworkers from catching it, change how you talk when you’re frazzled. Don’t just tell your coworkers you’re stressed — tell them what you’re…
We’ve all been there: You email someone asking for a conversation, information, input, or an introduction … and you get no response. It’s frustrating, but you shouldn’t jump to the conclusion that you’re being ghosted. We’re all juggling a lot these days, so here’s how to reach out with a gentle nudge. Start with a compelling subject line. Avoid generic phrases like “Following up” or “Checking in” that are not…
When bringing self-care into your day feels impossible, finding a better workout routine or downloading yet another sleep app isn’t the solution. Ultimately, you need to change your mindset. By challenging your assumptions about what self-care is, you’ll be better equipped to find an approach that works for you. Here are three tips that can help. Define self-care on your own terms. Self-care can look different for different people. It…