Business & Life Patterns

Karen Mangia smiling and posing for a picture

Gutsy Woman Profile: Karen Mangia

By Sylvia Lafair | January 16, 2019 | Comments Off on Gutsy Woman Profile: Karen Mangia

I want to share the story of Karen Mangina who I recently met and to me is the epitome of a GUTSY woman. What would you do if you were in a situation you knew, yes knew, deep inside would be a vast mistake to follow through? Would you take a deep breath and say,…

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Creative Energy Options

How to sustain growth and become a better version of you

By Sylvia Lafair | December 26, 2018 | Comments Off on How to sustain growth and become a better version of you

In this article I share my thoughts about how to sustain growth and become a better version of you. Are you hearing bells yet? There will be a lot of people chanting, ‘Ring out the old and bring in the new. That’s the motto I am starting to hear with only a few days left to embrace…

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Creative Energy Options

Which one are you: Overwhelmed, Overworked or Frustrated?

By Sylvia Lafair | December 11, 2018 | Comments Off on Which one are you: Overwhelmed, Overworked or Frustrated?

Did you ever wonder if men feel as overwhelmed, overworked, and frustrated as women do, on a daily basis? I did some digging to find the answers. I spent time looking at the three areas of what it means to be overwhelmed, overworked, and frustrated. Here is what I found. OVERWHELMED Let’s look at being…

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Creative Energy Options

The most valued gift for the holidays…is YOU

By Sylvia Lafair | November 27, 2018 | Comments Off on The most valued gift for the holidays…is YOU

In this post, I’m pondering the thought of what is the most valued gift for the holidays? This is the time of year for both fun and family. Yet, sometimes, the two words don’t really go together. Wouldn’t it be better if when you sit around the family table you were supported and delighted? And, even…

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Creative Energy Options

Have a heartwarming and growth-inducing Thanksgiving

By Sylvia Lafair | November 20, 2018 | Comments Off on Have a heartwarming and growth-inducing Thanksgiving

I am writing a heartfelt message to hopefully help make your Thanksgiving time as positive and fruitful as possible. First, here is a quote from retired Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O’Conner: The Family unit plays a critical role in our society And in the generations to come. In all the work I have done…

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Creative Energy Options

Why can’t we all just get along?

By Sylvia Lafair | March 6, 2018 | Comments Off on Why can’t we all just get along?

Did you ever wonder why it’s so hard to just get along? Why there’s so much tension and dissension in the world? Why has behavior hit new lows with badmouthing all the way from top leadership in our country to the workplace? It’s everywhere and in all areas of our lives. Just recently sweet, chubby,…

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Creative Energy Options

How to know if he or she is a denier

By Sylvia Lafair | February 20, 2018 | Comments Off on How to know if he or she is a denier

I recently received a curious email asking for help. Most of the time I get questions about work and leadership issues. This one is a bit different however it does fit into the patterns I’ve been discussing on the blog here. Dear Dr. Sylvia, You know that last week was Valentine’s Day. Well, you know,…

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Creative Energy Options

Transforming the martyr to the integrator

By Sylvia Lafair | January 31, 2018 | Comments Off on Transforming the martyr to the integrator

Imagine what it’s like to work from dawn till, no not dusk, till the middle of the night. Imagine if you do this while you have a background program in your head saying “Worry, the catastrophe is about to happen.†Even when there’s no big deal issue there are those whose first love is to…

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Creative Energy Options

Why being a clown just doesn’t work

By Sylvia Lafair | January 23, 2018 | Comments Off on Why being a clown just doesn’t work

Summary: When situations at work are tense, there is a need for some laughter. Timing is a core issue. Here are ways clowns at work (annoying) become humorists (clever). Dear Dr. Sylvia, When numbers are down, I need help getting my team out of a fear-based mentality. Most importantly, This is a tense time. Above…

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Creative Energy Options

How to become an elegant truth teller instead of a people pleaser

By Sylvia Lafair | January 16, 2018 | Comments Off on How to become an elegant truth teller instead of a people pleaser

Summary: Do you worry that too many of your employees are people pleasers? They do whatever you say and never speak up or challenge you? Here are some ideas for you. When you or others fear speaking up it causes stagnation. That’s when creativity is nowhere to be found. For instance, you want your team…

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