Business & Life Patterns

Can people with high emotional intelligence still be assholes?

By Sylvia Lafair | October 29, 2019 |

Here’s a question that comes up way too often. Before I state the question let me set the context.  Do you believe the leaders at your organization are good and positive people? Can you talk with your team and feel there is mutual respect? Have you ever been bullied by a brilliant boss?   Now the question: Can people with high emotional…

3 Key Ways to Win at Work

By Sylvia Lafair | October 1, 2019 |

My work with individuals and groups over the years has helped me to uncover 3 key ways to win at work when you’re feeling frazzled and ready to throw in the towel. Have you found that at one time or another you wanted to stuff a sock in someone’s mouth rather than listen to them…

How do you stay calm, cool, and collected?

By Sylvia Lafair | July 30, 2019 |

When the heat index goes way into the red zone how do you stay calm, cool, and collected? Here is a composite of the types of emails I have been getting the past month, mostly from the east coast of the U.S. and from much of Europe. It goes something like this: “It’s too hot…

These 3 habits may be keeping you labeled as mega-stupid

By Sylvia Lafair | July 8, 2019 |

Summary: Who do you work with you think is a dumb ass? Here are ideas to move beyond judging and make a positive difference at work. Everyone has their idea of what “stupid” means. Someone who you will never ask for advice. Did you ever take the time to sort out the different levels of…

Are you a maximizer or a satisfier…take this simple test

By Sylvia Lafair | April 24, 2019 |

How do you decide what to decide? There is a great line in the play Into the Woods that we have used in our Total Leadership connections program that shows how so many of us wait to let others make decisions while we stand on the sidelines waiting for a signal for our next move. Picture Cinderella…

Gaslighting and how it can impact you

By Sylvia Lafair | April 17, 2019 |

Gaslighting is a hot topic these days.  Many people are victims of gaslighting without even knowing it.  It affects your sense of self-worth, your confidence, and your sanity. Have you ever spent time with a narcissist or a sociopath? You can sense them from their cunning and self-importance. They are the opposite of fine wine.…

Gutsy or Bold, Are You Ready to Take a Step Forward?

By Sylvia Lafair | January 23, 2019 |

What does it take to make the leap? Whether you’re gutsy or bold, are you ready to take a step forward? I was reflecting on the physical or emotional cost when you take a GUTSY or BOLD step out of the old ‘this is the way it is meant to be’ mentality. I was thinking…

Gutsy Woman Profile: Karen Mangia

By Sylvia Lafair | January 16, 2019 |

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,…

How to sustain growth and become a better version of you

By Sylvia Lafair | December 26, 2018 |

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…

Which one are you: Overwhelmed, Overworked or Frustrated?

By Sylvia Lafair | December 11, 2018 |

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…