Sylvia Lafair
Let’s pull back the curtain and get real: Leaders who rely solely on charisma eventually hit a wall. The ones who rise (and stay risen) have something deeper, quieter, and far more powerful—emotional maturity. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Our CEO, a quiet and helpful leader, recently hired a new head of sales with minimal input from…
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In times of chaos and conflict, most people either freeze, fume, or flee. But smart leaders? They align. Align what, you ask? Not your calendar. Not your chakras (though hey, that might help too). We’re talking about Triple Alignment™: Head, Heart, Gut. It’s a new way of thinking about conflict resolution for leaders. Dear Dr.…
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Tired of Zoom fatigue and Slack pings? Try LBWA (Leadership by Walking around). There’s something refreshingly old-school—and surprisingly effective—about a leader who shows up. It’s time to redo what used to be popular and bring it back. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My mentor is a very successful man who is handing me the keys to take…
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Summary: Often, less is more when it comes to being a successful leader. Here is why it may be best to hold your tongue, bite your lip, and wait for a better time to respond. Leadership communication is both an art and a skill if done correctly. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have often heard you…
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When Modern Leaders Are Out of Touch: Don’t Be the Nero of Your Workplace History and headlines repeatedly show us what happens when modern leaders lose touch with the very people they are supposed to serve. The result? Low morale, missed opportunities, and, at worst, organizational collapse. One of the most enduring metaphors for detached…
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Summary: The term “out-of-the-box thinking” has been around for decades. Let’s explore how watching a movie offers a unique approach to transforming team conflict into team collaboration. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I grew up in a world where the mantra was “better safe than sorry.” Therefore, risk-taking is not in my toolkit. For example, I lost…
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Summary: Understanding that individuals can have different perspectives of the same event is crucial for effective leadership. This concept is vividly illustrated in Akira Kurosawa’s classic film Rashomon, the Netflix series The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, and the recent Good American Family. The narratives delve into the complexities of subjective truth, offering valuable insights…
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Summary: Adult sibling relationships often drift apart, influenced by various life circumstances, unresolved childhood conflicts, or differing personal values. However, repairing communication and reconnect can yield profound personal and emotional benefits. Here’s why re-establishing a positive relationship with adult siblings matters, even when a minimal or no relationship currently exists. Dear Dr. Sylvia, As a…
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Summary: If you’ve watched Netflix’s Adolescence, you probably felt your heart twist a few times. I know mine did. The show brilliantly captures what it means to come of age in today’s turbulent world. There’s another layer quietly pulsing beneath the surface—the stress of being a leader as you parent your children. Dear Dr. Sylvia,…
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Summary: How to lead is often more about charisma, clickbait, and influencers than “just the facts, ma’am.”It’s easy to fall under the spell of charm. Whether it’s a smooth-talking executive or a magnetic team member who lights up every meeting, the sparkle often gets more attention than the substance. But for strong leadership—the kind who…
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