Posts by Jo Ilfeld, PhD
Coke or Pepsi? Setting Expectations With Your Team
When you start a new project it is essential to set clear team expectations. You need to create a container of expectations so you know what you can expect from each other. Whether in coaching or any team collaboration, creating an expectation framework ensures clarity and productivity. These expectations could address how you want to…
Read MoreAre You Leading a Project or Just Managing It?
Do you ever feel like your to-do list keeps giving birth to other lists? I’ve been in the midst of launching a big client project this past month and I’m amazed at how checking one item off my to-do list seems to lead to 3 more next-step items taking its place. Have you ever felt…
Read MoreStart Strong: Your First 30 Days In A New Job
“I got the job!” is a frequent text I get from clients – who calls these days? My clients are high performers and they want to aim even higher. New jobs and roles are an occupational hazard for many successful leaders. It’s hard to keep moving up unless you’re willing to take on new challenges,…
Read MoreProving Your Worth. Ignore That Voice In Your Head.
Entering a new role comes with its share of challenges, particularly the pressure of “proving your worth.” As an executive leadership coach, I often hear from my clients who are starting a new role they feel pressure to rush in and make sweeping changes. But I strongly caution against doing that. Ignore that voice in…
Read MoreTime Span: ONE Powerful Way to Stand Out as a Leader
As a leader, are you considering your time span effectively? Recently, I was reading an article about how our brains tend to focus on the near future, instead of encouraging us to look farther into the future and plan for that. As you climb the ladder from manager to executive levels, the more the organization…
Read MoreThe Most Underrated Leadership Tool
In the realm of leadership, there’s a powerful yet underrated tool that often goes overlooked: the breath. Recently, while listening to a podcast featuring Jennifer Garvey Berger, she made a profound statement: “Breath is the most underrated leadership tool in the world.” This struck a chord with me because it’s true – the breath serves…
Read MorePlease, No More Imposter Syndrome
Do you feel like you are an imposter? Probably, because I hear it often in my executive coaching practice. It’s common for my leadership clients to question their abilities and describe themselves as feeling like imposters in their roles. But did you know that the term ‘imposter syndrome’ is a pet peeve of mine? I…
Read MoreThe Healing Power in Saying “I’m Sorry”
There is healing power in saying “I’m sorry.” When we are apologizing, we may say “I accept responsibility” and express ownership of our actions but often there is a reluctance to directly say the words, “I’m sorry.” In a recent conversation with one of my executive leadership coaching clients, I encouraged them to consider the…
Read MoreFeedback is a Gift. But Is It One You Want?
Feedback is a gift. But is it though? And is it the gift you wanted? I was facilitating a team training recently where we discussed this concept and someone came up with an analogy that I had to share. Imagine feedback as a present. Some presents are a perfect fit, it’s the gift you were…
Read MoreONE Thing You Should Know When Making a Choice
In a recent conversation with fellow executive coaches and consultants about decision-making criteria, someone shared a gem that I had to share. They said: “The experience of moving forward matters more than the choice.” This wise statement made me stop and say, “OMG, I HAVE to write that down!” For those caught in decision-making loops,…
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