Sylvia Lafair
Dear Dr. Sylvia, I know this sounds delusional. However, I want to change my career. I want to make the shift now. Let me explain. I am a lawyer and work in a prestigeous law firm. Hiwever, the dream to be a lawyer was my father’s desire for me. I was such a “good child”…
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Dear Dr. Sylvia, Everyone has secondhand stress these days. It’s not that different than getting sick from someone smoking near you. I can be happy and positive, and then someone will enter the meeting with a frown and a bag full of negatives, and suddenly, my smile leaves, and I can feel that annoying knot…
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Transforming the Workplace Super Achiever Dear Dr. Sylvia, I work with the most annoying super achiever. That is to say, she always has a better response, a more thoughtful comment, and a “great” way to handle conflict (even though she creates much of the chaos at work). In addition, my team and I need help…
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How to Get Your Point Across at Work Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to communicate ideas, influence perspectives, and inspire action. However, it can also offend or alienate your audience when not handled with care. The secret to powerful storytelling lies in the balance between conveying your message and maintaining sensitivity. Dear…
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Avoid falling into the same rabbit holes of doubt Dear Dr. Sylvia, Why, oh why is it so hard to change destructive patterns? From my time in the Total Leadership Connections program, I know that I can fall into the same rabbit hole again and again. For me, It’s the Persecutor/Bully Role. When I am…
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I want to explore what giving means when you have nothing left. Let’s celebrate and honor those who pour water from an empty pitcher. I include actionable tips and insights for individuals and teams, from recognizing personal boundaries to creating a culture of support and celebration. The Metaphor of Pouring from an Empty Pitcher The…
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Dear All, As the season of giving thanks arrives, it’s a beautiful reminder to pause, reflect, and cherish the moments that make life truly meaningful. Thanksgiving is more than just a feast or a holiday tradition. It’s an opportunity to connect deeply—with ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us. The Power of Gratitude…
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Summary: Stress is a natural part of life, and our bodies are designed to handle it, at least in short bursts. At the center of this response lies cortisol, the primary hormone responsible for regulating stress. However, in today’s world of relentless deadlines, 24/7 connectivity, and mounting pressures, cortisol levels can remain chronically high, leading…
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Summary: Stress is no stranger to the modern workplace. Deadlines, performance reviews, and balancing personal and professional lives create a pressure cooker environment. Many leaders recognize stress’s toll on their teams, offering perks like yoga classes, meditation apps, or flexible work hours. Yet, one crucial element often gets overlooked: the root causes of stress. The…
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Summary: As a business leader, you juggle a multitude of responsibilities—strategizing for growth, inspiring teams, managing resources, and navigating conflict. Yet, a hidden element influences how you handle these challenges: patterns from your family of origin. These ingrained patterns shape your reactions to conflict, guide your communication style, and influence your decision-making processes. Despite their…
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