Business

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Six Questions to Ask in Uncertain Times

By Sylvia Lafair | June 6, 2024 | Comments Off on Six Questions to Ask in Uncertain Times

Summary: Effective leadership development requires us to read the signs of the times and lead people to a better, more positive place. How do we move from pistols to peace-tools? Key questions are below. Dear Dr. Sylvia, We are living in a world of extremes. That shows up at my organization all the time. Those…

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The Dichotomy of Power: How Emotionally Powerless Leaders Seek External Dominance

By Sylvia Lafair | May 30, 2024 | Comments Off on The Dichotomy of Power: How Emotionally Powerless Leaders Seek External Dominance

Summary: Leaders are often seen as paragons of strength and confidence. Yet beneath this façade, many grapple with feelings of powerlessness. This emotional turmoil can significantly impact their leadership style, prompting a compensatory quest for external power. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for fostering healthier leadership and organizational cultures. Dear Dr. Sylvia, One Senior Vice…

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Leadership Training is Vital for All Companies

By Sylvia Lafair | May 20, 2024 | Comments Off on Leadership Training is Vital for All Companies

Summary: Effective leadership training enhances organizational performance. It also fosters innovation, and builds resilience in facing challenges; Here’s an exploration of why leadership training is essential. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am the head of HR at a company that is growing at warp speed. However, many of those on the newly formed Executive Team and…

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Breaking Through Negativity: How Leaders Can Spark Positive Change in the Workplace

By Sylvia Lafair | April 30, 2024 | Comments Off on Breaking Through Negativity: How Leaders Can Spark Positive Change in the Workplace

Summary: Whether it’s bad news or the challenges of everyday life, negativity can seep into our minds and workplaces. This impacts morale, productivity, and overall well-being. However, amidst the darkness, there are beacons of light. Leaders who possess the vision, empathy, and determination to foster positivity drive change. Be a beacon! Dear Dr. Sylvia, I…

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Cultivating Trust: Nurturing Boundaries That Keep Individuals and Teams Feeling Safe

By Sylvia Lafair | April 17, 2024 | Comments Off on Cultivating Trust: Nurturing Boundaries That Keep Individuals and Teams Feeling Safe

Summary: In any environment, whether it’s a workplace, a community group, or even within a family, trust is the cornerstone of healthy relationships and effective collaboration. It’s the invisible thread that weaves through every interaction, binding individuals together in mutual respect and understanding. However, cultivating trust is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process…

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Crafting Compelling Personal Narratives in the Business World

By Sylvia Lafair | April 15, 2024 | Comments Off on Crafting Compelling Personal Narratives in the Business World

Summary: The art of storytelling can be a powerful tool in the business world. When done properly, story fosters connections, inspires action, and conveys complex ideas. Personal narratives, in particular, have the ability to humanize business interactions, making them more relatable and memorable. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I recently told a personal story at a work…

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Nurturing Personal and Organizational Health: A Systems Thinking Approach to Dealing with a “Bully Boss”

By Sylvia Lafair | April 11, 2024 | Comments Off on Nurturing Personal and Organizational Health: A Systems Thinking Approach to Dealing with a “Bully Boss”

Summary: In today’s workplace, the behavior of senior leaders plays a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture and employee well-being. Challenges often arise when dealing with a “bully boss,” whose strong-willed nature can create a toxic environment. Adopting a systems thinking approach, which emphasizes understanding the interconnectedness of various elements within a system, along with…

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Glimmers to Greatness: Cultivating Relationship Connections

By Sylvia Lafair | April 1, 2024 | Comments Off on Glimmers to Greatness: Cultivating Relationship Connections

Summary: Relationships lie at the heart of effective leadership. They are the bedrock upon which trust, collaboration, and influence are built. The ability to forge and nurture meaningful relationships is paramount for leaders seeking to navigate complexity and drive sustainable change. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I report to the second most important person in our organization.…

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Unraveling Glimmers to Greatness: Navigating Systems Theory in Modern Organizations

By Sylvia Lafair | March 26, 2024 | Comments Off on Unraveling Glimmers to Greatness: Navigating Systems Theory in Modern Organizations

Summary: One theory stands out as a guiding light to illuminate the leader’s path: Systems Theory. Let’s explore its definition, fundamental principles, and application in understanding the interconnectedness and interdependence within organizations. Additionally, we’ll spotlight some pioneering companies that have successfully integrated Systems Theory into their frameworks, propelling them toward greatness. Dear Dr. Sylvia, You…

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Navigating Workplace Dilemmas: Unraveling the “He Said/She Said/They Said” Conundrum

By Sylvia Lafair | March 4, 2024 | Comments Off on Navigating Workplace Dilemmas: Unraveling the “He Said/She Said/They Said” Conundrum

Summary: Let’s explore the complexities of the “He Said/She Said/They Said” mismatched stories at work. I want to shed light on potential consequences and offer strategies to address and prevent such scenarios. Dear Dr. Sylvia, We had three excellent employees resign in the past month. They all had the same frustration. There was a promise…

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