Posts by Jo Ilfeld, PhD
How to Find More Meaning at Work
Early one morning this past summer, I was running on the beach in Carmel when I came across an incredible design someone had created in the sand. By the end of the day, the tide would erase it. No audience. No recognition. It made me wonder: what inspires us to do great work when no…
Read MoreWhat If ‘Winging It’ Isn’t Working Anymore? Here’s What To Do Instead
This article first appeared in Forbes. When something feels new and uncertain, it’s tempting to think, “There are so many unknowns here, I guess I’ll figure it out as I go.” But what if you already know more than you think? A client reminded me of this recently. Her company is growing fast, and they’ve…
Read MorePlanning a Team Offsite? Here’s What to Do Differently
Planning a team offsite after summer comes to an end? Team offsites are the perfect time to rethink how you use your in-person moments, and make them count. With so many teams working virtually, gathering face-to-face offers opportunities you simply can’t recreate on Zoom. That’s why team offsite ideas need to go beyond conference rooms…
Read MoreHow to Come Down From “Work Sprint” Mode
This article originally appeared in Forbes I’m writing this on the way back from my college reunion, feeling both energized and exhausted. I’m so glad I went, but also anticipating the tiredness waiting for me back home as it’s my daughter’s high school graduation week. You get the picture… This reunion was entirely my choice.…
Read MoreLeaders: 5 Meaningful Ways To Show You Care At Work (That Actually Work)
This article was originally written for and appeared on Forbes Coaches Council Through discovery interviews, HR conversations and manager meetings, I often hear how thoughtful and attentive executives and upper-level managers are to those they work with and also how much gets lost in translation, conveyed in ways that can feel condescending, dismissive, “micro-managey” or…
Read MoreFive Cities, Four Flights, Twelve Lessons (None about business)
A friend recently forwarded me an Instagram post making fun of those LinkedIn posts where someone relates a personal experience to business. You know the ones: “My toddler taught me about quarterly planning.” I felt so seen—and so called out. Because of course I do that. I’m constantly relating life to leadership. So I’m trying something different.…
Read MoreThe Jagged Edge of AI: What Leaders Need to Understand
Leaders should not view AI as either fully reliable or completely unusable. Instead, they need to understand the jagged edge of AI. The jagged edge refers to the boundary between where AI performs well and where it still produces unreliable results. This boundary is not fixed. It is moving quickly as AI systems improve through…
Read MoreHow a Simple “Parking Lot” Can Create More Effective Team Meetings
When I recently spent a day facilitating a session with a leadership team, one simple tool turned out to be their biggest takeaway: a “Parking Lot.” All I did was write “Parking Lot” at the top of a flip chart and post it on the wall. The idea was simple: whenever someone brought up a…
Read MoreWhen Promotions Are Frozen but Ambition Isn’t. What’s Your Next Move?
This is the latest edition of my new work advice column — Dear Dr. Jo! If you have a work issue you’d love my insight on, please email me at [email protected] or DM me here on LinkedIn. What would you do if your top performer is ready for more but your hands are tied because…
Read MoreAre You Looking Where the Light Is—or Where the Answer Is?
I was seated a mile above home and office when I wrote this article in an airplane on my way to my hometown of Chicago. This was the only moment I could find to step back and reflect in a more meaningful way. It’s hard to find time in the middle of an “ordinary” workday,…
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