Business & Life Patterns

A man and woman sitting on top of a mountain.

Climbing the Mountain Within: My Journey on The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

By Sylvia Lafair | November 12, 2024 | Comments Off on Climbing the Mountain Within: My Journey on The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Summary: Here is an excerpt from my book “GLIMMERS TO GREATNESS: How Head, Heart, and GUT Guide YOU to WIN.” I hope this helps you see another way to look at what matters in your very precious life. Here is my journey to Machu Picchu. Dear All, This is a departure from my usual online…

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A painting of albert einstein with a space background.

The Power of Glimmers: How Intuition Can Lead to Great Discoveries

By Sylvia Lafair | November 3, 2024 | Comments Off on The Power of Glimmers: How Intuition Can Lead to Great Discoveries

Summary: Throughout history, many groundbreaking discoveries, made not solely through logical reasoning or methodical experimentation, came from intuitive “glimmers.” These seemingly fleeting moments of insight that connect head, heart, and gut play pivotal roles in shaping science, art, and innovation. You can use these glimmers as a leader in your own life to make a…

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A large auditorium with many people sitting in it

Leadership Tips: Beyond Problem-Solving to Design Thinking

By Sylvia Lafair | October 21, 2024 | Comments Off on Leadership Tips: Beyond Problem-Solving to Design Thinking

Summary: Move beyond problem solving. Use design thinking to stay action-oriented and create a better future for your company. Then, you are in the driver’s seat of the fastest car that will get you from here to where you want to go. Design thinking is the winner. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I would like some ideas…

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A person is holding out their hand over the word " fault ".

Leadership Development and Whose Fault Is It Anyway? Are YOU a YABBUT or NOT?

By Sylvia Lafair | September 29, 2024 | Comments Off on Leadership Development and Whose Fault Is It Anyway? Are YOU a YABBUT or NOT?

Summary: There are many books about how to survive a toxic workplace. The big question is: Who makes the work setting toxic? Most of the books point the finger of blame at the boss or supervisor. Many books and sites about office politics are about what he, she, or they did that was insulting and…

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A wooden table with blocks that spell out just say no.

The Power of “No”: Why We Fear It and How to Reclaim Its Strength

By Sylvia Lafair | September 11, 2024 | Comments Off on The Power of “No”: Why We Fear It and How to Reclaim Its Strength

Summary: Most of us consider being a “yes ” person a positive in the work world. Sadly, “yes” often overshadows the importance of that simple, two-letter word: “no.” Yet, “no” is a word that can protect our time, energy, and well-being. So why are we so afraid of it? When you understand the power of…

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A yellow smiley face with an angry expression on it's face and a pointing hand.

The Splitter: How One Toxic Personality Can Lead to Absenteeism, Lawsuits, and Lower Productivity in Your Organization

By Sylvia Lafair | September 2, 2024 | Comments Off on The Splitter: How One Toxic Personality Can Lead to Absenteeism, Lawsuits, and Lower Productivity in Your Organization

Summary: When someone pits people against each other everyone loses. In any organization, the presence of a “Splitter” can wreak havoc, leading to a cascade of issues, including increased absenteeism, costly lawsuits, and low productivity. Understanding this destructive behavior is crucial for leaders who want to maintain a healthy workplace. Here we delve into the…

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A group of people taking a selfie in the grass.

The Main Problems Facing Emerging Adults (18-25) in a Chaotic World

By Sylvia Lafair | August 25, 2024 | Comments Off on The Main Problems Facing Emerging Adults (18-25) in a Chaotic World

Summary: Emerging adulthood, the phase between 18 and 25, is a period filled with both potential and pitfalls. As young adults navigate this transformative stage, there are numerous challenges exacerbated by the complexities of our chaotic modern world. Here’s a look at the main problems they encounter and how these challenges shape their journey into…

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A person running in the middle of a colorful run.

Techniques to Handle Discomfort Comfortably: A Guide to Building Resilience

By Sylvia Lafair | August 25, 2024 | Comments Off on Techniques to Handle Discomfort Comfortably: A Guide to Building Resilience

Summary: In a world that often values comfort and convenience, learning to handle discomfort effectively is a powerful skill. Whether it’s physical discomfort, emotional challenges, or the unease that comes with change, mastering this skill can lead to significant personal growth and resilience. Here we explore how to listen to those GLIMMERS that will help…

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A man and woman are yelling at each other.

Turning Drama into Harmony: How the Drama King/Queen Can Transform a Negative Relationship

By Sylvia Lafair | August 15, 2024 | Comments Off on Turning Drama into Harmony: How the Drama King/Queen Can Transform a Negative Relationship

Summary: In every social circle, workplace, or family, there often exists a “drama king” or “drama queen”—those individuals who seem to attract or even thrive on conflict and tension. While their behavior can be frustrating and exhausting for those around them, there’s a silver lining: with the right approach, drama kings and queens can channel…

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A man pushing an alarm clock on the ground.

The Hidden Power Play: How the Powerless Yield Power Over Others at Work

By Sylvia Lafair | July 16, 2024 | Comments Off on The Hidden Power Play: How the Powerless Yield Power Over Others at Work

Summary: Power, just saying the word brings up so many images. Parents, pointing the finger to send you to your room. Having a boss tell you, you’re fired. Yet, it isn’t always wielded by those with the most authority or the loudest voice. Often, individuals who feel powerless within themselves can exert a surprising amount…

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