Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor
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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…
With the rise of remote work, we’re using email more than ever. So, it’s essential to take the time to make sure your words reflect what you actually want to say — and, crucially, how you want to say it. To do so, ask yourself these four questions before hitting send. Is my email too brief? We’re all moving quickly these days, but make sure you’ve shared any important details…
As your organization faces the twin challenges of strained budgets and burned-out workforces, what can you do to keep your employees engaged? While it may not be as impactful as a promotion or a raise, don’t underestimate the power of symbolic awards, such as private thank-you notes or public displays of recognition. These simple interventions can significantly improve employee motivation, according to research. To maximize their effect, it’s essential to…
Many of us are so focused on doing it all that we forget to carve out time for ourselves. But ensuring your own health and happiness is critical. So give yourself permission to take care of yourself — now. If you put off self-care until work is less busy, your kids are back in school, your house is in order, or some other circumstances are exactly right, you may never…
As we wrap up the Final Four of March Madness, I share with you some leadership knowledge I observed this season. You won’t have a championship team every year. How you deal with loss is everything. Great leaders learn from their mistakes. Not all A-teams are full of A-players. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Lead by example. Make it a great day!
This weekend I had the opportunity to spend 5 days in the Texas Hill Country with some great gal pals playing golf and getting away. Fortunately, I had family I could visit there as well, so after a year long quarantine from the pandemic, I took a break. I didn’t realize how much needed this break was until I was in it. We have all had a difficult year that…
Let’s be honest: Sometimes complaining about a coworker feels good. But although it helps you release pent-up emotions, venting is a sideways move. In other words, we usually complain to a friend or colleague — and we rarely confront the person we’re complaining about. So the next time you want to complain, try taking it to the source of the problem. For example, let’s say a coworker yells in a…
As a manager, your job is to give feedback. But if you want your employees to really hear what you’re saying, you need to listen, too. Research suggests a manager’s attentive, nonjudgmental listening makes an employee more relaxed, more self-aware, and less defensive. The next time you’re coaching someone, listen carefully and thoughtfully to everything they say. Don’t jump to conclusions or interrupt. Give the person space to express themselves,…
If your brain isn’t naturally wired for making order, learning how to plan your time can be a frustrating experience, especially if you are working from home these days. Fortunately, it’s possible to overcome your natural wiring and better organize your time. Begin by reaching out to friends or colleagues who excel at planning or have good organization skills and asking for their advice. They may be able to offer…