Alicia D. Reece, PCC

Over the course of my career as an executive coach and leadership consultant, I have encouraged my clients to think of speaking up in meetings like being the captain of a sports team during a game. Start by being clear and confident about what you need to say, like calling out plays. Use "I" statements to share your views without sounding pushy, like saying, "I think we should try this approach." Listen actively to understand others' perspectives, like reading the field. Pair assertiveness with empathy by considering how your suggestions impact everyone, like checking in with teammates to see how they're feeling. Stay calm and composed, even if there's pushback. Encourage open dialogue and be ready to adjust your strategy.

Bouncing back from failure using emotional intelligence is like rebooting your phone after it glitches. First, recognize your emotions, like spotting the error message. Stay calm and focused, like hitting the restart button. Use empathy to understand how others might feel in the same boat, which helps you not be too hard on yourself. Get feedback and learn from what went wrong, like reading the error log to avoid future issues. Keep a positive attitude and set new, realistic goals.

Start an Energy Journal - keeping notes of the tasks and projects that you love…and the ones that you loathe. What do you want to do more of? What would you like to take off your plate? One of my clients kept an energy journal for a month and noticed she spent 80% of her time responding to emails and in unproductive meetings. So she delegated more and influenced changing the meeting structure to increase her energy and overall happiness at work.

Incorporate shots of espresso throughout your workday to combat burnout. I’m not talking about shots of espresso from your favorite coffee shop (although this could be one of them). I’m recommending that you incorporate energizing activities throughout your day. It could be listening to your favorite music, watching a video that makes you laugh, or having a quick chat with a dear friend.

Having a supportive social network and friends at work is like having a solid Wi-Fi connection when you're streaming a movie. They give you a stable platform to share your feelings and vent, which helps buffer the stress. Friends offer different perspectives and advice, like a strong signal that keeps your stream smooth. Hanging out with them boosts your mood and makes you feel valued, like enjoying a great movie night. Doing fun stuff together is like hitting the refresh button, giving you a mental break. By leaning on your social network, you get the emotional bandwidth you need to keep going and avoid burnout.

Moving into rewarding work and getting the recognition you need is like finding the right playlist to keep you pumped. Start by figuring out which tasks get you excited and look for more opportunities to do those. Talk to your manager about your interests and strengths, like sharing your favorite songs, so you can get projects that match your vibe. Be proactive about recognition: during check-ins, share your wins and ask for feedback. Let your manager know how you like to be recognized—whether it's a shout-out, more responsibilities, or learning opportunities. Feeling appreciated is like hearing your favorite track; it boosts your mood and keeps you motivated.