Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor
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It’s natural to like some colleagues more than others. But when you’re the boss, treating direct reports differently — and especially playing favorites — is unwise and unfair. To make sure you don’t give anyone special treatment, divvy up choice assignments in a fair and equitable way. Keep a record of whom you brought to the last high-level presentation and who took the lead on the last big project. Simple…
If your team is constantly bringing issues to you rather than addressing them on their own, you aren’t doing your job as a manager. So only let problems get escalated to you thoughtfully and occasionally. To make sure you’re not stepping in when you shouldn’t, ask yourself several questions. For example, don’t ask “How do we solve the problem?” until you’ve paused and considered “Who should own this problem?” Balance…
“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” – Ernest Hemingway Listening is the foundation of any good relationship. Great leaders listen to what their customers and prospects want and need, and they listen to the challenges those customers face. They listen to colleagues and are open to new ideas. They listen to their employees – everyone from the receptionist to the shareholders and investors. Leaders listen to what…
Are you doing the things you want to do? Or the things you think you should? Sometimes, other people’s wishes tamp down our true desires for our jobs and careers. But dutifully fulfilling others’ expectations is unlikely to make you happy over the long run. To figure out what you’re truly passionate about, try this experiment: 1. Identify one specific activity to examine, whether it’s something you’re unhappy with or…
Super bowl Sunday, the most anticipated, sought after sporting event of the year. An unofficial national holiday. Why do we watch it? I polled over 100 participants (and non participants) before and during the game, and I observed others at a party during the game. A LOT of people at the party didn’t know there was a game going on, no seriously! Here are the Top 10 reasons why we…
It’s tough to be rational when you’re upset or angry. If you’re having a conflict with a colleague and feel worked up, you’re unlikely to make good decisions about what to say or do. Rather than jumping into the discussion right away, buy yourself some time. Explain to your colleague that you need to think through the issue before coming back to it. (Don’t tell the other person that they…
Being a strategic leader starts with asking your team the right questions about their work, your company, and the big picture. Here are five questions to pose to team members on a regular basis: What are you doing today? This will bring to light any significant work that you aren’t aware is being done or that’s taking much more time than it should. Why are you doing the work you’re…
When it comes to planning our careers, we carefully choose our companies and jobs. But rarely are we deliberate about selecting the advisers and confidantes who help us succeed. Cultivate a support group for your career by thinking about whose advice and expertise you wish you had on speed dial. Consider who you feel inspired by, whether they’re colleagues, senior leaders, or peers in your field. Seek these individuals out,…
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New Year’s Day is nearly here and offers the promise of great things to come. What are your plans to reenergize for the New Year? Here are three actions critical to a promising new beginning. 1. Reflect Many people will push right into the New Year with no respect or consideration for the last 365 days. No doubt, victories were had, mistakes were made, relationships came and went and, most importantly,…
Using free, public Wi-Fi networks comes with a number of serious security risks, yet many of us do it anyway. To minimize the chance of having your money or financial information stolen, follow these steps. First, if you’re on public Wi-Fi, don’t shop online, log in to your financial institution, or access other sensitive sites. Use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, to create a network-within-a-network, keeping everything you…