Powerful communication

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The Healing Power in Saying “I’m Sorry”

By Jo Ilfeld, PhD | February 12, 2024 |
For this article by Jo Ilfeld, Executive Leadership Coach on the healing power of I'm sorry the image shows a man looking down and sad.

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…

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Talking About The Weather Gets My Approval 

By Jo Ilfeld, PhD | September 5, 2023 |
For this article by Jo Ilfeld, Executive Leadership Coach on talking about the weather the image shows pictures of different weather conditions

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. …

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Managing Workplace Outbursts: Is It a Draymond Green Moment?

By Jo Ilfeld, PhD | August 15, 2023 |
For this article by Jo Ilfeld, Executive Leadership Coach on workplace outbursts the image shows a basketball being shot into the net.

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…

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Your Voice is Powerful. Use It! 

By Jo Ilfeld, PhD | August 8, 2023 |
For this article by Jo Ilfeld, Executive Leadership Coach on voice messages the image shows a woman using a megaphone.

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…

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Are You an Active Participant in Meetings?

By Jo Ilfeld, PhD | July 26, 2023 |
For this article by Jo Ilfeld, Executive Leadership Coach on being an active participant in meetings the image shows a woman sitting in front of a team on Zoom with an engaged presence,

When you’re in a larger meeting, how much do you ask of yourself to be an active participant? I recently had the opportunity to present at two virtual conferences back-to-back. The contrast between the two experiences got me thinking about the power of being an active participant and how it can transform your meeting experience.…

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Trying Asking for Advice – Not Giving It 

By Jo Ilfeld, PhD | June 8, 2023 |
For this article by Jo Ilfeld, Executive Leadership Coach on giving advice the image shows a business woman using her hands to explain something.

Have you ever found wanted to give advice to someone at work? Well, there’s a way to do it right. I recently came across a fascinating book by Katie Milkman called “How to Change.” In it, she explores the impact of advice-giving on our behavior. I think we all intuitively know this but she has…

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The Hierarchy of Communication

By Jo Ilfeld, PhD | May 10, 2023 |
For this article by Jo Ilfeld, Executive Leadership Coach on the hierarchy of communication the image two people sitting on a log using tin cans with a string attached pretending they are telephones

Communication is not just about conveying information, but also about understanding the message and the intention behind it. Sparked by a recent discussion with a client, I shared with her my hierarchy of communication and the most effective ways to communicate an idea or a disagreement. The top priority in communication is face-to-face communication. Sitting…

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