Coaching Tips

The Downside Of Growing Your Organizational Culture

By Sylvia Lafair | May 12, 2016 |

I was sitting having a quick dinner in Manhattan with some colleagues. The place was packed and the noise level high. Just a typical 6:30 p.m. time of workplace decompressing, after one of those typical rush and get it done days. At the table to the left we heard “No one should be forced to…

Powerful And GUTSY

By Sylvia Lafair | January 26, 2016 |

I have a birth to announce. Beautiful babies come in various packages. Some in the warm skin of an infant son or daughter. Others as works of art, music, photography, dance, the written word. Joan Scharff just gave birth to a wonderful book of poems and pictures. I met her several years ago when she…

How To Get Heard After You’ve Been Whacked Upside The Head

By Sylvia Lafair | September 23, 2015 |

Dear Dr. Sylvia, I know you think that we can all transform our negative patterns. I have my doubts. You see, I read your book…twice! And I still have a serious problem. I took the Pattern Aware Quiz and know I am considered a persecutor/bully. I have worked hard to change my style from being…

Leadership Development: SHUSSSSH Don’t Rock The Boat

By Sylvia Lafair | December 15, 2014 |

Imagine a world where bringing up unpleasant or conflictual subjects is applauded. Imagine if in school good grades were based on asking the unaskable. Just imagine. Where would YOU fit in that kind of setting? Would you be one to ask “Hey, why is the emperor naked?†Or would you be one to put your…

Holiday Stress Starts Early This Year. Here’s Why And What To Do About It.

By Sylvia Lafair | December 8, 2014 |

Summary: Did you ever wonder why the end of the year holidays causes so much stress? It is essential because of last year’s restrictions on staying at home. Here is “the why” for many and also ways to handle holiday stress more effectively. Dear Dr. Sylvia, How do I get year-end work done, prepare for…

4 Rules For Great Leading During The Holiday Season

By Sylvia Lafair | November 23, 2014 |

Imagine yourself as the most loved leader in your organization. Imagine being honored at a dinner for your skills and talents. What would they say about you? How would you respond? Leading a team and getting your direct reports to really, really want to get follow you takes lots of deep internal understanding of yourself.…

They Are ALL Our Children

By Sylvia Lafair | November 23, 2014 |

Years ago I was in Brazil for a conference. It was wonderful looking up at the “Christo Redentor†that is so much a part of Rio. It was fun sun bathing and walking along the famous Ipanema beach. I also had an opportunity to go inland to some of the mines where the crystals are…