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Maggie Knoke

Self Coaching for Working Parents: Pandemic Back-to-School Edition

Like it or not, back-to-school during the pandemic is looming large in the United States. Nothing else gives rise to the perfect storm of dread, uncertainty, anticipation, confusion, and maybe even relief. In many circles, it’s been the main topic of discussion for weeks now. Depending on where you live, you might be facing another round of full distance learning, hybrid learning with unpredictable schedules, or full classroom learning. You… Read More »Self Coaching for Working Parents: Pandemic Back-to-School Edition

What is Truly Valuable (and What to Do About It Once You Know)

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally upended the way things are supposed to be. On a global scale, it’s impacted every continent and every community. It’s also set fire to our personal stories — the way we thought things would individually unfold for us. The stories of what we’re supposed to do, get, be, how fast, when, and in comparison to what. None of these stories will go back exactly to the way they… Read More »What is Truly Valuable (and What to Do About It Once You Know)

How I Learned to Stop “Should-ing” and Admit the Truth

The pandemic has been showing me what I do not want to admit I am mightily struggling with: overwhelm. I have been trying to write this article – any article, really – for a month, and it has taken me until three days before my deadline to even begin. So I’ve given in and I’m here to admit that I, Maggie Knoke, forward-planner, certified leadership coach, small business owner, MBA-holder,… Read More »How I Learned to Stop “Should-ing” and Admit the Truth

Five Ways to Get Unstuck (Even During a Pandemic)

Full disclosure: I’ve pivoted my work over and over again. I’ve been a writer, non-profit grantmaker, financial analyst, project manager, learning & development leader, founder & freelancer, coach and investor. I have been stuck in many ruts, and yanked myself out, every. dang. time. Being stuck is a natural part of the ebb and flow of working life. Stuckness is a continuum that stretches from boredom all the way to… Read More »Five Ways to Get Unstuck (Even During a Pandemic)

Six Declarations for our Suddenly Virtual Working World

You do not have to look good on video. You do not have to look good IRL. Who gets to say what good-looking is anyway? You are FAR more valuable than merely your looks. Give video a try. Humans evolved to communicate with much more than words. We want to offer and receive gesture, eye contact, nuance. Listening and asking curious, open-ended questions is a good idea. Calm down about… Read More »Six Declarations for our Suddenly Virtual Working World

Self-Coaching for Leaders at Review Time

Oh my dear leaders-of-people, it’s that time again for many of you! I feel you! Review time is underway or about to start. (Except you retail people, I see you and your weird year-end. I’ll talk to you next spring.) I’ve been asked to coach a few of you lately, as you prepare for any number of high-stakes conversations: giving tough feedback, speaking frankly, addressing mixed results, reviewing someone who… Read More »Self-Coaching for Leaders at Review Time

You Need a Feels Great File

I wrote and first published this on LinkedIn, in the unsettled days leading up to a huge layoff event. I was reaching for a touch stone to remind me of my value, and my values, in the midst of the anxiety all around. The layoffs were unprecedented at the time for my company and sent huge shock-waves through my network, and even the local business community. Three years later, I’m… Read More »You Need a Feels Great File