Business & Life Patterns

Educators and Parents: How to Prepare High School Students for Adulthood

By Sylvia Lafair | April 10, 2023 |

Summary: What is missing in preparing today’s students for life challenges? They want “people skills,” and it would benefit us to teach them skills to be better adults. Dear Dr. Sylvia, As a large urban high school principal, I appreciate your time with my leadership team. Furthermore, I did what you suggested. I surveyed the…

Your Family’s Secret Influence On Career Success

By Sylvia Lafair | April 5, 2023 |

Summary: Family patterns can impact individual development. This includes the ability to become influential adult leaders. Leaders who become more aware of the impact of the past on the present are the ones who will win long-term. Dear Dr. Sylvia, As head of HR at a very competitive organization, one of my main areas of…

Why “I Never Thought About It This Way” Information is Good for YOU

By Sylvia Lafair | March 29, 2023 |

Summary: The internet and social media have changed us. Sometimes for the better, and sometimes not. Here is an interview with Tom Lane, author of “The Karma Factor,” that will give you new ways of thinking about the consequences of behavior. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I messed up! Big time! And then I had to apologize.…

Leadership Tips: Here are 2 Words To Avoid At Work, at Home, and Everywhere

By Sylvia Lafair | February 1, 2023 |

Summary: Words are powerful. Some can lead you to success. Others will get in the way and keep you stuck in old, outdated behavior patterns. Be careful of the two vital words discussed here. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I resolved to communicate more effectively this year. Time is moving quickly, and I still feel I will…

Leadership Lessons: What Matters When You Tell The Truth

By Sylvia Lafair | January 19, 2023 |

Summary: In this era of social media excess, where everyone can offer their version of what is truth without fact-checking, it’s time for critical thinking to stop the dysfunction of speaking without considering the consequences of our words. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have a question for you. Question: How many business coaches does it take…

Influential Leaders Practice Safe Stress

By Sylvia Lafair | January 13, 2023 |

Summary: The beginning of each new year offers unique possibilities for growth and health. At the core, it is mostly about attitude. Here are some tips on navigating your world to make it special. Dear Dr. Sylvia, The new year has not been friendly to me. To clarify, I live in what used to be…

How to Leap into the New Year and Let Your Dreams Take Flight

By Sylvia Lafair | December 27, 2022 |

Summary: This is a great time to think about how you want to advance your career and your relationships. Go ahead, take a leap of faith. Here’s what to do.  Dear ….  Did you know that at least 50% of adults make new year’s resolutions?  Mostly they are about more exercise, less weight, healthier eating,…

What Educators Face as The World Changes and Helpful Solutions

By Sylvia Lafair | December 12, 2022 |

Summary: We are in new territory post-pandemic, and the education system needs an upgrade, or we will keep losing dedicated educators. Here’s what to do. With a radical idea at the end of this post. If you’re a classroom teacher feeling the pressure of your job, I can help you identify the signs of teacher…

Time to Talk Truth to Power: Here’s What To Do

By Sylvia Lafair | December 7, 2022 |

Summary: Learn how to speak up and be heard by someone in power. The “Four B’s” make it a slam dunk every time. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Did you ever think there would be a big push to consider employees’ mental health at work? Don’t get me wrong. I know it is essential to bring, as…

Upgrade Your Soft Skills; Needed Now More Than Ever

By Sylvia Lafair | November 30, 2022 |

Summary: The rules of the game of work are changing. We are in the middle of a behavior reframe. Social media teaches us that “if you think it, you should say it,” regardless of consequences. Not true! Here is a better way. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Holiday time is upon us at full speed. For example,…