By

Sherri W. Fisher

What Kind of Help Is Helpful?

It can be difficult to accept support from others, often due to personal expectations, fear of judgment, or negative experiences with feedback. Factors like learning challenges, executive function struggles, or anxiety about performance can make individuals feel defensive or fearful that they’re being judged for not trying hard enough. These responses may stem from a...
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Change a Thought, Change an Action

In coaching the goal is often to help people like you to achieve their potential, navigate challenges, or find fulfillment. These outcomes are closely tied to how you think about yourself and your circumstances. The Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote in his Meditations, “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” In other words, the...
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Helping Them Own It: 3 Rules to Help Your Adult Child Flourish at Work

Parents often tell me that their “empty nest” is still full—full of text messages and ongoing requests for guidance as their adult children settle into the workplace. It’s natural for parents to want to step in when their child faces difficulties at work, but these early struggles—though uncomfortable—are essential for building crucial life skills like...
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Provocative People: 7 Ways to Understand Their Motivation

We’ve all encountered someone who seems to enjoy pushing our buttons. Whether it’s teasing, sarcasm, or more overt antagonism, this provocative behavior can be frustrating and even bewildering.  In this blog I unpack 7 common reasons why people engage in this behavior, and what you can do about it. It could be… Habit or Learned...
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Neurodiversity’s Competitive Advantage: Key to Team Success

It’s a win! Diverse teams bring together unique talents and perspectives that can drive remarkable success.  And…this diversity can also create misunderstandings and friction, especially for neurodiverse people whose strengths may not instantly appear to align with organizational expectations. Seek the Competitive Advantage: Strengths-based coaching approaches can transform these differences into a valuable competitive edge...
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A Small Post about How to Get Unstuck

Waiting to feel motivated before acting can actually keep you stuck.  Waiting can even get you more stuck, setting up a crisis-rescue habit. Research in motivation psychology, particularly studies on Self-determination Theory (Ryan & Deci), shows that motivation often arises from experiencing competence and mastery, even in tiny bits at a time. When you take...
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How to Get What You Want Without Taking Away What Someone Else Has: The Art of Collaborative Negotiation

Sometimes advocating for what you want–and need–will require negotiation. I teach my clients that negotiation is not just about getting what you want—it’s about finding solutions where everyone feels they matter. Negotiation often evokes images of high-stakes boardrooms, tense conversations, and winners and losers. But the truth is, negotiation is not just about getting what...
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Done! Now why doesn’t that feel better?

So you think you’ll be happy when you get that big promotion? Maybe not for long. A 2023 study by Margolis and Danaher explored the long-term psychological effects of the arrival fallacy (“I’ll be happy when I get to the next level”) on corporate leaders. The study revealed that those who frequently fall into this...
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Beyond SMART: Flexible Goals That Work

Traditional goal-setting methods often follow the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework has its merits, and it can sometimes lead to frustration, especially when unforeseen obstacles arise. For instance, setting a goal to exercise for 30 minutes every day might seem achievable, but what happens when you’re sick, have a busy workday,...
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Running Out of Time? Quick: Read This!

People with attention and executive function challenges often need more time to complete tasks at work because of their difficulties with organization, focus, and time management. Providing extended time for tasks can be a helpful accommodation, AND it can also introduce new challenges. Procrastination and Time Management The perception of having more time can reduce...
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