Business & Life Patterns

words have power quote

How to Use Your Favorite 4-Letter Word and Make a Positive Difference 

By Sylvia Lafair | July 19, 2022 |

Summary: The world has changed, and more freedom of speech exists. However, freedom has a downside. The big question is how to use that freedom productively rather than hurt and hinder relationships.   Dear Dr. Sylvia,  Am I alone in using strong words to help calm me down when I am upset?  I think not.  However,…

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I must not tell lies written over and over again in a notebook

We All Tell Lies, Which Type of Liar Are You? 

By Sylvia Lafair | July 6, 2022 |

Summary: We have all heard “the truth shall set you free,”; yet, lying is a daily occurrence. Read on to see which pattern, from fibs to fraud, fits your personality and, more importantly, what to do about it.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I don’t know who to believe anymore. When I ask my direct reports about…

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a man putting jigsaw puzzle pieces together to form the word success

Here’s What Success at Work Looks Like During Difficult Times

By Sylvia Lafair | June 14, 2022 |

Summary: How do you stay true to your core values when everything is out of focus? Dear Dr. Sylvia, How do you ever know when enough is enough? I mean, enough in every sense of the word. For example, when is there enough money in the bank? Or when there is enough food in the…

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gun violence a public health issue placard

Peace Tools NOT Pistols (or any other weapons of destruction)

By Sylvia Lafair | May 30, 2022 |

Summary: It is critical to look “upriver” to solve the polarization and violence we are now seeing at work, at home, and in our communities.  Dear …  I am getting so many questions from leaders and emerging leaders about the polarization of our society and the number of attacks on innocent people that I want…

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two pairs doing tug of war on top of two big rocks

How Leaders Can Move Past “Survival of the Fittest” to “Survive and Be Fit” 

By Sylvia Lafair | May 24, 2022 |

Summary: External forces keep us on our toes, ready to react. Here we discuss the hidden reasons for why we respond as we do.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I’ll cut right to the chase. Time is going by, and I am frustrated and worried.  I am a 47-year-old healthy male who is the CFO of a…

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A woman holding two face-like masks

Here’s How To Identify and Cope With Stress Now and Forever!

By Sylvia Lafair | May 17, 2022 |

Summary: Are you looking for stress relief? Is your stress higher at work or at home? Here is how to cope with stress and help those around you benefit.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  Even though I don’t know Will Smith, I keep getting a whack on the side of my head! At least, it’s only figuratively. …

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a photo depicting the levels of leadership

Leadership Education and Transformation: Is Change Worth the Effort Or Not?

By Sylvia Lafair | May 10, 2022 |

Summary: Transformation is in vogue right now. Here are ideas to help you decide what to decide. Be careful what you ask for, you may just get it. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am a Senior Vice President of a very successful retail furniture company. However, I have lost my mojo. I want to quit and…

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an adult man dressed as a baby in a crib

Your BOSS Is NOT Your MOTHER

By Sylvia Lafair | May 3, 2022 |

Summary: Do you know that many bosses can be seen as work- mothers? It’s universal and essential to realize this is a complex role that gets in the way of long-term success. Here are some ideas to ponder. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have a mother; of course, we all do! I am also a mother…

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Image of wordings message of peace

It’s Time to Transform Splitters into Peacemakers

By Sylvia Lafair | April 5, 2022 |

Summary: There is so much disagreement in today’s world. Much of it is due to the behavior pattern of separating people into being “for” and “against” each other. Do you know a splitter (or are you one)? Here are ways out of the tangled web that causes the split for hate and even war to…

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eggs sketched with faces

Emotional Flexibility in This Time of Constant Change 

By Sylvia Lafair | March 29, 2022 |

Summary: The more adept you are in being emotionally flexible, the more adaptable you can be in your leadership role.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  This one is personal. I had a very difficult situation occur with my stepdaughter and she wants to break all ties with me.  I know from reading your books that you suggest…

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