Sylvia Lafair
Summary: What happens when a fist hits flesh? Or when words sting and burn? Conflict is a BIG problem that can make teams thrive if handled effectively. Conversely, customers and employees leave (or lose championship games) when conflict is swept under the rug. Here are my thoughts about best practices for conflict resolution. Dear Dr.…
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Summary: Here are ways to decide the best practices for you and your company to let go of old, outdated decision-making methods. Dear Dr. Sylvia, We must find more effective ways to make decisions that will not backfire months or years later. Therefore, please give some specific ideas so companies can manage better ways to…
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Summary: Cognitive biases can impede critical thinking and decision-making. When leaders make more objective and informed decisions, they move to the head of the pack of successful companies. Dear Dr. Sylvia, What’s a gal to do? My senior team is looking at how we can do better with strategic planning. My colleague told me that…
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Summary: Leaders are constantly faced with challenges that require them to analyze information. You must also evaluate alternatives and make decisions that have far-reaching consequences. Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally. You must study and evaluate information to arrive at sound judgments and decisions. Here are ways to bring these skills…
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Summary: Creating a safe and inclusive classroom is essential for students to feel supported, valued, and motivated to learn. Teachers play a crucial role in fostering a positive and welcoming environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Here are practical tips (and one that is unique and powerful) for education leaders to create a safe…
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Summary: As leaders, it is essential to take care of yourselves so that you can take care of your team and your customers. Here are some tips and strategies to help you manage stress and lead your team effectively. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I just read that stress in the workplace is a billion-dollar problem. Not…
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Summary: Creating a diverse workplace requires a significant effort from everyone in the organization. Here I explore how to impact diversity at work, with examples of successful initiatives. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Firstly, congrats on being named in the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Diversity and Inclusion 2023 from Thinkers 360. Similarly, I…
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Summary: What is missing in preparing today’s students for life challenges? They want “people skills,” and it would benefit us to teach them skills to be better adults. Dear Dr. Sylvia, As a large urban high school principal, I appreciate your time with my leadership team. Furthermore, I did what you suggested. I surveyed the…
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Summary: Family patterns can impact individual development. This includes the ability to become influential adult leaders. Leaders who become more aware of the impact of the past on the present are the ones who will win long-term. Dear Dr. Sylvia, As head of HR at a very competitive organization, one of my main areas of…
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Summary: Is the world spinning out of control? It feels that way with the speed of negative issues that seem to impact everyone, everywhere, all at once. Here are some ways to help students cope with the complexities of modern life. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am a high school English teacher. My kids are hurting…
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