Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor
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Difficult conversations are difficult for a reason, and when you’re anxious or stressed out, it’s easy to say the wrong thing. To keep the interaction from going sideways, avoid these common mistakes. Don’t assume your perspective is obvious. Steer clear of phrases like “clearly,” “obviously,” or “without a doubt,” which are likely to insult your counterpart. Don’t exaggerate. Skip any statements that start with “You always…” or “You never…” They’re…
No matter what stage you’re at in your career, one of the most important things you can do is build relationships. But which ones are most important to your future success? Here are five that will help you accelerate your path to a promotion, increase your visibility within an organization, and become the leader you aspire to be. Mentor: Think of a mentor as the north star that will keep…
Anxiety feels different for everyone—for some, it’s a racing heart, for others a heavy chest. However anxiety shows up, one thing’s for sure: It’s tough to lead, work, or just get through the day when your mind is buzzing. Here’s how to stay grounded when anxiety strikes. Pause and check in. Understanding what you’re feeling in your body and what triggers your anxiety can help you keep the spiral at…
Leaders who listen well create company cultures where people feel heard, valued, and engaged. Here are three ways to practice listening more effectively—and to deepen your understanding of your team members. Listen until the end. Whether due to social anxiety or a desire to connect, people often begin planning what to say while the other person is still speaking. Instead of speaking too soon or turning the conversation back toward…
As a leader, you need visibility into your team’s work—what’s on track, what’s falling behind, and where support is needed. But too much oversight can breed distrust, especially among experienced team members. The key is to build a system that keeps you informed without getting in the way. Use a visibility grid. Map your team’s projects across two axes: how much detail you need and how frequently you need updates….
Want high-performing teams that collaborate, communicate, and stay engaged? Treat kindness as a core management responsibility—not a personal trait or optional extra. Here’s how to operationalize kindness on your team. Set clear expectations. Make kindness measurable by turning it into clear, behavioral standards. Define what respectful, inclusive, and supportive interactions look like. Use onboarding, performance reviews, and team norms to embed those expectations into daily work. Don’t let small moments…
Courage isn’t just for crisis moments—it’s a leadership skill you can build through consistent, values-aligned action. Start by focusing on these three types of everyday courage. Moral courage: Act on your values. You can’t protect what you haven’t named. Identify your core values, define what they look like in practice, and communicate them clearly. Prepare for pressure by writing “if/then” statements to guide your response when values are tested. For…
For the sake of your happiness and productivity, it’s tempting to try to squeeze every second of distraction and leisure out of your days. But a better approach is to manage your time in accordance with your priorities by distinguishing between the activities you actually like and those you don’t—and then ridding yourself of the latter. Here are two ways to get started. Schedule your downtime. Time blocking doesn’t have…
When the data runs out—or becomes overwhelming—your next move often depends on something harder to quantify: intuition. It’s not guesswork. It’s a skill built from experience, reflection, and pattern recognition. If you want to trust your gut more confidently as a leader, you need to train it. Start with the “calm test.” Before acting on a strong impulse, ask yourself: Would I make the same decision if I were completely…
If you treat emotions like distractions, you’re missing out on one of your most powerful leadership tools. Emotional intelligence isn’t about being touchy-feely—it’s about using emotional data to lead with clarity, resilience, and trust. Here’s how to make that shift. Notice what emotions are telling you. Start by paying attention to physical cues, energy shifts, and behavioral changes in yourself and others. Tight shoulders? A teammate’s silence? These aren’t random—they’re…
Do you ever wonder when the first Labor Day was celebrated or who decided that we should even celebrate Labor Day, or do you just know that you get a long weekend the first Monday of every September and that’s really all that matters to you? Well, stop for just a minute this morning for a quick history lesson. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5,…
It’s frustrating when a teammate doesn’t pull their weight—but it doesn’t have to derail you. You can manage the situation without letting it harm your career. Here’s how. Document your contributions. Keep a clear record of your work. It’s not about blaming anyone; it’s about showing your role in the project. Whether through emails, updates in project management tools, or private notes, this habit ensures transparency and provides a safety…