Summary: Ready to kick off the new year by becoming the leader you were always meant to be? One who doesn’t just manage the team—but inspires, empowers, and creates a culture that thrives? It’s time to step into your new role as a PAL—a Pattern Aware Leader! This isn’t just about leading with authority; it’s about leading with heart, awareness, and a fun, fresh perspective that makes your leadership unforgettable.
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
I keep researching what is needed in leadership as we face a new year.
There is so much being said about connecting mental health, personal growth, and creativity with basic job skills.
Makes sense to me.
In fact, my organization is at the front of the line to help all our employees beome the best they can be.
I have heard you say that being a leader is also being a PAL.
At first, it sounded like superficial marketing.
However, as I learned that Pattern Awareness is vital for success, being your type of PAL is advantageous.
Being a PAL is More than Being a Friend
Can you offer some ideas to get my team revved up to add this type of learning to our core values?
I am tasking HR to set up a program for my entire staff.
I want my team to handle stress more effectively and look beyond the annoyances of the moment.
Where do we start?
After all, we all need to be a PAL!
Signed,
Life Long Learner (LLL)
Let Go of Behaviors that Keep You Stuck in the Past
Dear LLL,
Let’s start from scratch.
Everyone is asking for ways to start the year by reducing stress and becoming top-level leaders.
Therefore, look for my Stress Reduction Challenge to start in a few weeks.
In just seven days, you can unload ten pounds of emotional stress. You’ll look better, feel better, and be better!
Then, you can start to be a leader who is also a PAL.
So, what’s a PAL?
This is for you and everyone at work who wants to shine.
With PAL, you break free from automatic reactions, embrace growth, and empower yourself and your team to reach new heights. Let’s make this year where you break the mold, lead authentically, and inspire greatness!
For example, there are so many ways to react in a healthy way when your buttons get pushed.
You do not have to defend, explain, or justify your behavior.
You can look your outdated response in the eye and say, “Not this time!”
What’s the Deal with Outdated Behavior Patterns?
Great question. Outdated behavior patterns are the old habits, reactions, and automatic ways of thinking we’ve picked up over time.
In other words, maybe you’ve been holding onto a few that no longer serve you—like avoiding tough conversations, micromanaging, or saying “yes” to everything. These patterns were once your survival mechanism, but now they’re weighing you down.
Here’s the kicker: when we lead on autopilot, we miss out on the opportunity to grow, connect, and innovate. PAL is all about shedding those old behaviors and stepping into a leadership style as fresh and dynamic as the year will be.
Being a Pattern Aware Leader Means You’ve Got Your Eyes Wide Open to the Patterns that Shape Your Actions.
By being intentional and aware of your behavior, you can let go of outdated patterns and create new, empowering ones that better serve you, your team, and your mission.
Let’s break it down so you can step into your new leadership role with all the fun and flair it deserves. Here is the way OUT of what belongs on the
OBSERVE Your Reactions
Firstly, spot your patterns. It’s time to get curious about yourself! A PAL knows that awareness is the first step. How do you react when things go wrong? Do you freeze, panic, or try to control everything? Start observing your automatic reactions and patterns—once you see them, you can change them!
UNDERSTAND Where they Started
Ditch the old stuff. Now, the fun part is letting go! Say goodbye to outdated behaviors that no longer align with your goals. Maybe it’s stopping yourself from always saying “yes” or catching yourself before you fall into old perfectionist tendencies. Every time you release an outdated pattern, you make room for something better, bolder, and more empowering!
TRANSFORM to a Healthy Response
All things considered, reflect and have fun.Take a moment to reflect on the last year—when did you feel stuck, frustrated, or drained as a leader? Those are usually signs that old patterns are at play. Look back, laugh at yourself (no shame here), and figure out which behaviors you want to leave behind. This is your opportunity to choose a leadership path that’s more in line with who you are now—and who you want to be in the future.
Set Your Leadership Intentions
Ultimately, as a PAL, you can set the stage for your next leadership level! What do you want to embody in the new year? Maybe you’re all about trust and delegation or fostering more creativity. Maybe you’re ready to embrace vulnerability and open communication. Whatever it is, set your intentions with purpose and passion. The PAL way is all about leading with clarity and confidence!
Take Bold, Fun Action
Now it’s time to get moving! The key to being a PAL is supporting your intentions with consistent, fun, and bold actions. Whether you easily tackle a challenging conversation, trust your team to take the lead, or step into your full leadership potential, every action you take will move you closer to becoming the leader you’re meant to be. For great examples of what to do differently, see my book “Don’t Bring It To Work.”
Unleash Your Leadership Power as a PAL
Becoming a Pattern Aware Leader isn’t just about changing what you do—it’s about evolving into a more authentic, empowering, and inspiring version of yourself. When you let go of outdated behaviors and start leading with awareness, your leadership becomes magnetic. Your team will feel the difference. They’ll follow your lead, trust your decisions, and rise to new challenges because they’ll see you doing the same.
The best part? It’s fun! Being a PAL means you get to embrace change with excitement and purpose. Every step you take toward releasing old patterns and embracing new behaviors brings you closer to a leadership style aligned with who you areand who you’re becoming. And as you evolve, so will your team, culture, and impact.
In fact, it really is fun to watch as others have to stop, look, and listen before they respond to you.
You may hear someone say, “Huh? You never handled tought situations like this before. Now, I’m not sure how to respond to you!”
So, are you ready to make 2025 the year you embrace your inner PAL? Break free from the past, lead with clarity and authenticity, and inspire your team to greatness. Let’s make this year one for the books!
Are you in? Let’s lead together—and have fun while doing it!
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS. Our coaches are ready to help you be a great leader and a PAL. Contact us for a free consultation and to get your whole team moving in the right direction.
