Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor
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Turning down a request from a colleague or a boss can be difficult, especially if you’re worried about offending or upsetting the person. But saying no doesn’t have to seem like a personal affront. Have empathy for the situation your coworker is in — now they may have to make the time to do the task, or find someone else to take it on. The “no” will be much easier…
Having emotional intelligence, often referred to as EI, is an important part of being a stronger, more effective leader. But too many people assume that it’s all about being sweet and chipper. Sure, some EI competencies are related to sociability, sensitivity, and likability, but others are connected to leadership skills like achievement, influence, and conflict management. The key is to have a balance. If you’re strong in some of the…
If you believe that only senior executives need to think strategically, think again. No matter what level you’re at, strategic thinking is a critical skill — one that can always be improved. To hone your capacity to see the big picture, start by making sure you have a solid understanding of the industry context and business drivers. Make it a routine to explore the internal trends in your day-to-day work….
When you get feedback from your boss or your colleague, it’s tempting to focus on the criticism. After all, that’s where you need to focus if you want to improve. But dwelling on the negative can be debilitating. You also need to make sure you hear the positive: Write down the praise. When receiving feedback, don’t take notes only on the criticism. Jot down the positive feedback, too, so you…
Most people do their best work when they know their manager trusts them. If they worry that you think they’re lazy, incapable of directing their behavior, or lack integrity, they’re unlikely to take feedback or coaching from you. So go out of your way to gain your employees’ trust by demonstrating positive assumptions about them. Give challenging assignments, with the clear and confident belief that your expectations will be met….
If a friend tells you about an ordeal they’re facing or a mistake they’ve made, how do you typically respond? In all likelihood, you offer kindness and comfort. But how do you treat yourself when you make a big mistake? You’re probably much tougher — springing to self-criticism, hiding in embarrassment, or ruminating on your perceived shortcomings. The next time you face a setback, try taking a self-compassion break. As…
As a young professional, you might worry that you’re too junior, inexperienced, or new to speak up in a meeting. But unless you participate, you won’t catch the attention of your senior colleagues who have the power to bring your career to the next level. Find something to share that will make senior staff notice you — and your potential. Don’t underestimate the value of the experience that you do…
When you’re a new manager, employees quickly form opinions of you based on what you say and what you do. They want to know that you care about them and their work. You can show that you’re trustworthy by being consistent. Align your actions with the values you profess. For example, if you emphasize rigor and accuracy to your team, you should vet your own information carefully and invite them…
Some people might tell you that the only way to manage a work disagreement is to straighten things out right away. But that isn’t always true. Sometimes, your best option is to do nothing — let the comment go or simply walk away. Doing nothing isn’t a cop-out. In fact, we do it all the time without even realizing it. It’s a smart choice if you don’t have the energy…
Almost everyone has observed bias in the workplace. Perhaps you’ve been in a meeting and heard someone joke about a particular group of people, or you’ve noticed that the men on your team seem to get the best projects, despite female colleagues being equally or better suited to the work. There is no question that objecting to such situations is difficult, so if you speak up, think carefully about whom…
When you take over a team, your new employees are inevitably going to evaluate whether you are fit for the job. You can build their faith in your competence by producing results early on. Pick three or four simple, well-defined problems that matter to your team or your boss, and solve them in a way that’s consistent with company culture. Don’t overreach with these quick wins: Only choose a few…
Sometimes you’re put into an interim role as a test: Do you have what it takes to succeed in the job? Don’t let this uncertainty or pressure undermine you. Instead of focusing on the stakes, focus on what you can learn. Approach the assignment as a joint problem-solving exercise, between you, your boss, and others in the organization, with the goal of figuring out how to get the best person…