Sylvia Lafair
Summary: The global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2022 has undoubtedly reshaped the world and significantly impacted various aspects of society, including leadership. Here we look at how leadership has evolved in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. This in-depth blog explores how leadership development has changed post-pandemic and provides valuable insights for leaders seeking…
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Summary: Once one becomes a parent, a roller coaster comes with the territory. It can be fun, scary, anxiety-producing, and challenging. Parents are often overwhelmed by stress and its detrimental effects on their well-being and family dynamics. Here are some ideas from the handbook, a companion to “Invisible Stress.” Dear Dr. Sylvia, I know you…
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Summary: Most twenty-first-century workplaces are rife with negativity, tension, and conflict, with enormous costs ranging from decreased productivity to lawsuits. Here are some ideas on developing psychological safety and making positive cultural changes. Dear Dr. Sylvia, The complaining at work about too little time and too much to do is getting old. I have team…
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Summary: Mental health is part of the business world for all leaders to consider at work. Pride Month offers a time to look at this complex topic through the life of Ernest Hemingway. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am struggling with a senior VP who announced he is becoming a she. “They,” asked how that would…
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Summary: Incorporating systems thinking into leadership teams can help promote an interconnected approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Here are some steps to add methods of thinking to your executive team. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My executive team is beginning to collaborate in new ways. I would appreciate some tools for including systems thinking in our weekly…
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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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