Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor
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We all have parts of our jobs that aren’t fun. But even an unpleasant task can have meaning if you search for it. Try this exercise. Think about an activity that you don’t always enjoy doing — delivering performance reviews, for example. Now ask yourself why you do it, but ask four times. The first time you ask “Why do I do this?” you might answer, “Because I have to”…
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is filled with myths and legends. Many societies have a day set aside to give thanks for the many blessings they enjoy. In the United States, Thanksgiving has become a time for families and friends to get together, probably eat too much, watch football and give thanks. Here are some fun facts you can share over stuffing and pumpkin pie! While most Americans think of…
Many people handle work stress by buckling down and powering through. But that’s not a great way to actually relieve your anxiety. Instead, try reframing the stressful situation as a learning opportunity. Learning something new adds to your skill set and knowledge, and helps you develop feelings of competency and growth, which can alleviate feelings of stress. You can also learn with others. For example, rather than just wrestling with…
Disappointments are inevitable and unpleasant — a missed promotion, a failed project, a poor investment — but you can always learn something from them. To constructively deal with your next setback, think through what happened. Distinguish situations that were predictable and preventable from those that were unavoidable and beyond your control. Ruminating over something that didn’t go your way — and that you couldn’t control — will only frustrate you…
Learning to make good decisions, without hesitation and procrastination, is a skill that can set you apart from your peers. How can you stop vacillating on tricky choices, especially under pressure? Here are the steps to take when faced with making a tough call. Start by considering many different viewpoints. This doesn’t mean you should seek out everyone’s opinion. Instead, identify the right people with the relevant expertise and give…
Sometimes you get asked to do something at work that just doesn’t seem reasonable. Maybe it would require extraordinary effort on your part, is last minute, or is just unfeasible. Here’s how to respond professionally and confidently. First, assess your relationship with the person making the request. What are the power dynamics at play? If it comes from your boss or an important client, for example, you might feel more…
Do you keep postponing work you need to do? Most of us procrastinate from time to time. Rather than feeling guilty about it, or beating yourself up, try these strategies to break the habit. Schedule your deep work. It’s easier to put off work that requires concentration. So build time in your daily calendar to focus on your most important long-term project. Having a regular pattern each day will make…
Mentors invest their time in you. How can you give back to make sure their investment is worthwhile? Here are three simple ways you can reciprocate in a relationship with a mentor. Keep your mentor informed. Mentors enjoy being a part of your development. When you excel, they feel rewarded. So make an intentional effort to reach out to them regularly — once a month, every quarter, or whenever you…
If you have a direct report who is struggling with time management, it can be challenging to know how to address the issue. You need them to get things done but you also want to support them. Before you get frustrated or deliver harsh feedback, first reflect on whether you might be contributing to the problem. Ask yourself, for example: Have there been times when you’ve sent them an assignment…
We all put off uncomfortable or tedious tasks sometimes, especially when they’re a small part of a bigger project or a long-term goal. How can you stop your impulse to procrastinate? First, commit to a deadline. Circle a date on your calendar, and hold yourself accountable. Then make tiny behavioral changes. Instead of focusing on the enormous task ahead of you, lower the bar and find a manageable way to…
While listening is an essential skill for anyone in the workplace, the art of asking questions is equally, if not more, important. Smartly framed inquiries will help you clarify your work tasks, deliver better results, and mitigate unforeseen risks. Here are three key characteristics of great questions — and how to put them into practice. They demonstrate that you’re thoroughly prepared for a conversation. Whatever you are asking about, be…
Becoming a better listener takes time and practice. Here are a few things you can do to improve this critical communication skill. Establish why you’re listening.When entering a conversation, briefly reflect on the goals of the conversation and how you can best listen in that moment. For example, is your conversation partner seeking an honest critique, an analytical reflection, or an emotional connection? Then stay focused on that objective. Don’t…