Business

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Obsolete or Relevant?: Take a Look at Your Work Style

By Sylvia Lafair | January 25, 2024 | Comments Off on Obsolete or Relevant?: Take a Look at Your Work Style

Summary: Is your work style keeping up with the times, or is it becoming obsolete? Let’s explore the dynamics of work styles today and share insights on staying relevant. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My boss is not that old. However, he is an old “fuddy-duddy” (now there is an antiquated expression) regarding how to lead his…

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Learning from Taylor Swift: How Emotional Intelligence Can Empower Meghan Markle and Others

By Sylvia Lafair | December 11, 2023 | Comments Off on Learning from Taylor Swift: How Emotional Intelligence Can Empower Meghan Markle and Others

Summary: Emotional intelligence is a valuable skill that transcends industries and professions. We can learn much from those who navigate fame with grace and authenticity. Here, we explore how Taylor Swift, the globally celebrated pop sensation, shows the importance of emotional intelligence and its impact on personal and professional growth. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have…

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Culture Killers in the Workplace: Unmasking the Culprits

By Sylvia Lafair | September 18, 2023 | Comments Off on Culture Killers in the Workplace: Unmasking the Culprits

Summary: A healthy workplace culture fosters employee engagement, innovation, and productivity. However, culture killers can be equally potent in dragging an organization down. These toxic elements can erode trust, hinder collaboration, and stifle creativity. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I know there will be missteps and upsets in every work arena. After all, humans are not perfect…

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Is Happiness Oversold? Here’s What Truly Matters for Business Executives and Emerging Leaders

By Sylvia Lafair | August 23, 2023 | Comments Off on Is Happiness Oversold? Here’s What Truly Matters for Business Executives and Emerging Leaders

Summary: Messages bombard us that suggest happiness is life’s ultimate goal. That achieving it should be our top priority. Happiness is undoubtedly valuable. Yet, we oversell it in our culture. Here I explore the idea that other essential aspects of life deserve attention, particularly for those navigating the complex terrain of the business world. Dear…

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Why Psychological Safety Is Cost-Effective at Work

By Sylvia Lafair | June 14, 2023 | Comments Off on Why Psychological Safety Is Cost-Effective at Work

Summary: Most twenty-first-century workplaces are rife with negativity, tension, and conflict, with enormous costs ranging from decreased productivity to lawsuits. Here are some ideas on developing psychological safety and making positive cultural changes. Dear Dr. Sylvia, The complaining at work about too little time and too much to do is getting old. I have team…

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Strategic Advantage: Leading with a Systems Mindset Wins

By Sylvia Lafair | May 31, 2023 | Comments Off on Strategic Advantage: Leading with a Systems Mindset Wins

Summary: Incorporating systems thinking into leadership teams can help promote an interconnected approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Here are some steps to add methods of thinking to your executive team. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My executive team is beginning to collaborate in new ways. I would appreciate some tools for including systems thinking in our weekly…

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The Cost of Stress: How Leaders Can Stay Resilient

By Sylvia Lafair | April 20, 2023 | Comments Off on The Cost of Stress: How Leaders Can Stay Resilient

Summary: As leaders, it is essential to take care of yourselves so that you can take care of your team and your customers. Here are some tips and strategies to help you manage stress and lead your team effectively. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I just read that stress in the workplace is a billion-dollar problem. Not…

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Salon Speak: Small Talk, Deep Talk, or No Talk, Which is Best?

By Sylvia Lafair | February 27, 2023 | Comments Off on Salon Speak: Small Talk, Deep Talk, or No Talk, Which is Best?

Summary: Every time a client sits in your chair and faces the mirror with you standing behind, a choice occurs. Chat, joke, get personal, or “let it be.” How do you know what the best idea is? First, think about what you, the stylist, prefer when it’s your turn to sit in the chair rather…

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Leadership Lessons: What Matters When You Tell The Truth

By Sylvia Lafair | January 19, 2023 | Comments Off on Leadership Lessons: What Matters When You Tell The Truth

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…

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Influential Leaders Practice Safe Stress

By Sylvia Lafair | January 13, 2023 | Comments Off on Influential Leaders Practice Safe Stress

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…

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