Posts by Jo Ilfeld, PhD
Mastering the Art of Effective Feedback: The SBI Technique
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to provide feedback to a colleague but struggled with how to formulate it? My executive coaching clients often express to me how giving feedback can be challenging. This is also a topic that frequently arises in my teaching and workshops, particularly those centered around…
Read MoreFrustrated by Return-to-Office Policies?
Are you in a workplace that is changing their return-to-office policies? It’s a topic that I have been discussing more often recently with my clients. I recently received a call from a friend whose company is turning the screws on going back to work in the office. For her and many others, this transition presents…
Read MoreThe Power of a Best Friend at Work
Do you have a best friend at work? Over the summer, when I was working remotely in Carmel, I found myself connecting with one of my close work friends. We shared a Zoom screen, working on our tasks while holding each other accountable. This experience got me thinking about the research that highlights the significant…
Read MorePlan Your Week for Success
Ever reached the end of the week and wondered, “Did I really get anything done?” I used to feel the same way so when I read productivity expert, Laura Vanderkam’s book “Tranquility by Tuesday,” I was inspired by the valuable suggestion she offered. Use Fridays to plan your week ahead. While I occasionally do it…
Read MoreComfort Zone or Stretch Choice
Have you ever wondered if having more choices can sometimes lead to worse decisions? I came across two really interesting pieces of data recently, one of which I came across during parent orientation for my son’s college he’s attending in the Fall. Research shows that when it comes to choosing roommates or work arrangements, making…
Read MoreTalking About The Weather Gets My Approval
If you have found yourself starting a conversation talking about the weather, don’t worry, it’s not because you lack ideas. This is how I initially judged myself when I realized I was starting several conversations with my clients asking them about the weather. How could I talk about such a trite topic, I asked myself. …
Read More5 Game-Changing Leadership Lessons – Steph Curry Style
This article originally appeared in Forbes I’m a huge Warriors fan. During the 20-ish years I’ve lived in Oakland, they have risen from a forgotten team to 4-time NBA Champions playing with 2-time-time NBA MVP, Steph Curry. Having watched Steph Curry play over the last decade it’s been amazing to witness his journey as a player, and as…
Read MoreHow Can You Move the Needle on Things That Matter Most to You?
This article originally appeared in Forbes My client, Xander, decided to work out every morning to reach his fitness goals. But he was immediately faced with a problem. His European colleagues kept putting 7 am meetings onto his calendar (despite the fact he blocked it out), while Asia asked for 9 pm alignment meetings. Despite…
Read MoreManaging Workplace Outbursts: Is It a Draymond Green Moment?
Are you a basketball fan? Even if you aren’t, I think you’ll find this helpful. Recently, I had an insightful conversation with a client about handling unexpected workplace outbursts in professional relationships. The client shared an experience concerning a colleague. Their professional relationship had been progressing well until an unexpected outburst changed the atmosphere. Although…
Read MoreYour Voice is Powerful. Use It!
Do you use voice messages? These days it is SO hard to find time to connect with people. Schedules never align. People are always in meetings. Yes, Slack and other messaging apps are convenient but there’s nothing like the power of your own voice to convey nuance and true meaning. And with platforms like WhatsApp, leaving…
Read More