Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor
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I discovered that waking up early was the best way to start my day. Apparently, I’m not alone in this realization, as there are many stories about Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, and many others that believe in welcoming the sun. Why? It’s a very productive time with the ability to determine priorities before someone or something dictates them for you. And you can own your day. Everybody needs personal time…
Even if you think annual performance reviews should be abolished, it’s unlikely that you can overhaul your organization’s approach to appraisals. Fortunately, you’re in control of the way you manage the performance of your team. If your organization requires reviews — whether they are annual, semiannual, or quarterly — you should, of course, do them. But take additional steps throughout the review period to ensure that your employees are meeting…
Olympians draw their inspiration from a set of core values that prepare them to do their best as they compete, and to respond gracefully to whatever happens as a result of their best efforts. Each of those Olympic values relates to the timeless values of leadership that we fuel by well being. No matter what type of work you do, you can grow stronger and excel at it by learning…
All too often, managers behave as if relationships are built at the office holiday party and other social events and are hindered by actually working. If the only way you build connections with your employees is by chitchatting, you’ll either spend valuable time not working or overbook your calendar with social obligations. Instead of relying on long lunches or happy-hour drinks, build good relationships with your employees by making sure…
Let’s face it: Conference calls can be boring. That’s why so many people call in, press the mute button, and spend time getting other work done. If you want your team to be engaged during your next virtual meeting, try helping them establish a connection from the start. Open the conference line a couple minutes ahead of schedule, and stay on the line while people join. If it’s a small…
Good morning, It has been said that change is the only real constant. Generally, most people don’t take too kindly to change, especially when it is thrust upon them without their input. While most people in leadership want to move full steam ahead at any cost, it is important to stop and appreciate those who are cautious or even fearful about the change being imposed upon them. People react to change in many different…
Leadership skills aren’t magically transferred when an employee gets promoted to a management position. When you’re trying to cultivate the next generation of leaders, you need to start at entry-level, long before you dole out new titles and raises. The good news is, many young employees and junior-level staff are eager to give their input and make a difference in the organization. But if they don’t feel like current leadership…
My good friend Paula, sent me this article she found on LinkedIn, by Deborah Riegal, sharing that it would make a good MMC. She was right, and I thank her for sharing. Deborah says, every presentation is an opportunity to make an impression. You can either use your pitch to build credibility, engagement and buy-in, or blow the chance to share your story in a way that sells. No matter…
All managers need to motivate their employees, but many struggle to get it right. Bosses looking to deliver an effective pep talk should explain why the work they are asking people to do is important. How do the employees’ tasks connect to the organization’s purpose? Point out ways your team is making a real difference for customers, the community, or each other. Or you can connect your employees’ responsibilities to…
Most of us are focused on all the things we have yet to accomplish at work. But constantly staring at a long to-do list can take a toll on your emotional well-being. It’s important to occasionally recognize and appreciate all you’ve accomplished. Take periodic breaks from the busyness of work to think about what you’ve checked off your task list. You may want to keep a “done” list alongside your…
Short-term assignments, transfers, or rotation programs can have big advantages: You’re exposed to new geographies, functions, cultures, and people. But these temporary positions often come with little or no training, so it’s your responsibility to get up to speed fast. Here are three ways to make sure you’re getting the most from a short-term assignment: Set goals.At the start, write out what you hope to accomplish during your tenure —…
Some people equate good listening with sitting silently, nodding, making eye contact, and, when the speaker is done, paraphrasing what you heard. But these things are only part of what makes someone feel that you heard them. The best listeners go deeper by trying to understand the substance of what the other person is saying. Doing this requires that you ask questions to clarify your understanding and push the other…