Posts by Jo Ilfeld, PhD
The 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,…
Read MoreHave You Done Your Personal SWOT Analysis for 2024?
By now your function or group at work has probably finished its strategic plan and 2024 forecast. What about your own future? How far out are you thinking about your life, trends in your industry, and what might be around the corner? The Institute For The Future found that more than a quarter of Americans say that they rarely…
Read MoreHow to Be a Great Referral Source
Do you consider yourself to be a good referral source? After I received a great referral from someone recently, it made me reflect on how people appreciate connectors; the ones who know the things that we need, people who are the referral source for us, who reach all the best people. Finding the right recommendation…
Read MoreTough Questions: Go Ahead and Ask Them
Asking tough questions is not easy. When working with teams, one of the most important things to do is to open up a discussion where everyone’s voice is heard and make sure that everyone weighs in. This often means delving into uncomfortable territories or posing tough questions. Oftentimes when this happens, someone will say something…
Read MoreMake Your Business Travel Count
Business travel is back on, even if it’s not as routine as it was pre-2020. In a recent discussion with executive team members located across the country in various locations, we talked about the value of strategic thinking when on business trips. If you’re already taking the time away from your family and your current…
Read MoreMastering the Art of Apology
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you realized you’ve made a mistake and hurriedly rushed to apologize, only to sense something wasn’t quite right? You’re not alone. Recently, I’ve been working on an article on what to do when you mess up and in the process, dived into the nuances of apologies…
Read MoreAre You Stuck in the Holiday Messy Middle?
Between now and the end of the year, we are in that slog between Thanksgiving and New Year’s where everyone is either gearing up to close the year strong or starting to check out mentally. Depending on your industry, you might be wrapping up projects and tasks, or going into overdrive to close sales, meet…
Read MoreDo You Know Why You’re Doing That?
Spending part of the summer in Carmel has become a significant ‘Why” for me. It started during the pandemic. I realized how meaningful it was for me to have a couple of summer weeks where I take daily walks on the beach with my pups, enjoy some amazing California cuisine, and experience the slower pace…
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