Posts by Jo Ilfeld, PhD
The Power of Transparency
I recently had two contrasting conversations that underscored the importance of transparency in leadership. Now, let me ask you: when faced with the choice of sharing what’s going on or withholding information, which way do you usually lean? In both instances, the discussions centered around the profound impact of transparency on team dynamics. While your…
Read MoreThe Power of Second-Order Thinking
Have you ever thought you had the perfect solution only to realize it wasn’t as easy as you initially thought? In my executive coaching practice, I often see my clients jump straight to implementing new solutions, especially during reorgs or when moving people around. They focus on the desired outcome and the immediate fix, which…
Read MoreAccountability: Leveraging Your Team
Have you ever thought about all the things you need to get done and felt a sense of dread, overwhelm, or resistance? Recently, I discussed with a friend this universal experience of holding ourselves accountable for tasks. We often feel we “should” do this or “should” have completed that by now. If you’re in the…
Read MoreChange is Possible. But Not in the Way You Think.
People don’t change, right? They are who they are. Over the years, I have heard these words so many times from my clients and it immediately sends me into disproving mode — I am a coach, right? I spend my days finding evidence contrary to that statement. People DO change. People change their habits. People…
Read MoreBring Back Small Talk
Have you ever wondered if we should bring small talk back? Pre-COVID, I often discussed how the most important parts of meetings were the small talk moments—those informal chats while waiting for others to join or as everyone left the room. This small talk bonded people through shared experiences, like seeing the same movie or…
Read MoreAre Your Motivations Clear in Crucial Conversations?
Have you ever worried about having a crucial conversation and whether it might upset the other person or tarnish your relationship? Recently I discussed with my husband a difficult conversation he needed to have. One key aspect we talked about was his motivation for having this conversation. It’s important to be clear about your motivations…
Read MoreDo You Overcomplicate Things?
An edited version of this article appeared in Forbes Coaches Council Do you overcomplicate things? During a recent strategy session with a client, his mind spiraled the minute a strategy was mentioned. His thoughts went into overdrive, trying to formulate a complete plan ready to execute. This led to his next realization that he would…
Read MoreLeading In Complexity: Landing a Max 9
Leading in complexity is paramount. In turbulent times, it’s crucial to remain steady. Nothing illustrates that better than the recent incident with the Max 9s, where part of the airplane malfunctioned mid-flight. I used this scenario recently with a client, who was struggling with a major reorg they were overseeing. They expressed how hard it…
Read MoreTreat Strategic Time Like a Doctor’s Appointment
Do you want a tip on how to safeguard your strategic time? During a recent conversation with one of my clients about blocking off strategic time in the calendar, a lightbulb moment occurred for me. This particular client was sharing her struggle of preserving her blocked-off time and how it quickly vanishes like pixie dust…
Read MoreThe AI Train Is Leaving the Station. Will Your Executive Team Be On It?
As executives, you are responsible for positioning your companies to stay relevant and stay ahead of the technologies that will drive your industries to the next evolution. One of the most important new technologies within the last few years has been the emergence of AI as a technology poised to change the way many companies…
Read More