Communication

The Great Disconnect: Why Communication in the Workplace is Crumbling and What It Is Doing to Our Productivity

The Great Disconnect: Why Communication in the Workplace is Crumbling and What It Is Doing to Our Productivity

By Sylvia Lafair | May 22, 2025 |

Why Communication in The Workplace is Crumbling and What It Is Doing to Our Productivity

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Woman in trash can, blue wall background.

The Courage to Change: Why Staying Stuck Is the Real Risk

By Sylvia Lafair | May 6, 2025 |

Summary: Most people say they want to change—until change knocks on their door wearing work boots and holding a mirror. Then suddenly, resistance becomes the name of the game. It is like that most of the time. Yet, there are better ways. Read on. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I’m reaching out with steam still coming out…

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Gold painted lips with dripping effect.

Bite Your Lip Communication: A Leader’s Secret Weapon for Long-Term Influence

By Sylvia Lafair | April 15, 2025 |

Summary: Often, less is more when it comes to being a successful leader. Here is why it may be best to hold your tongue, bite your lip, and wait for a better time to respond. Leadership communication is both an art and a skill if done correctly. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have often heard you…

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Three people watching TV on a sofa.

Leadership Development: How Watching A Movie Changed Everything

By Sylvia Lafair | April 8, 2025 |

Summary: The term “out-of-the-box thinking” has been around for decades. Let’s explore how watching a movie offers a unique approach to transforming team conflict into team collaboration. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I grew up in a world where the mantra was “better safe than sorry.” Therefore, risk-taking is not in my toolkit. For example, I lost…

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Hands holding up red heart-shaped balloons.

Valentine’s Day Reflection: Hearing the Words Within your “Heart”

By Sylvia Lafair | February 13, 2025 |

Dear All, Have a sweet and caring Valentine’s Day with your loved ones. Along with flowers and chocolates, here are some thoughts to consider. Valentine’s Day is a time for love, connection, and deep listening—not just with our ears but with our hearts. Ultimately, it’s a day when words carry more meaning. Think about when…

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Girl in class learning her legacy from business leaders

Legacy Leadership : What Business Leaders Can Teach Their Grandchildren

By Sylvia Lafair | January 30, 2025 |

Summary: As a leader, you’ve spent a lifetime navigating challenges, making tough decisions, and shaping organizations. But beyond business success, your true legacy lies in the lessons you leave behind. While profits and accolades may fade, the wisdom you pass down to your grandchildren will endure for generations. Dear Dr. Sylvia (aka Grandmom), I have…

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People sticking together in safe zones

How Fires, Floods, and Wars Impact “Safe Zones”

By Sylvia Lafair | January 16, 2025 |

The Illusions of Safety: How Fires, Floods, and Wars Impact the Daily Lives of Those in “Safe Zones” Summary: No one is truly untouched in a world increasingly defined by its challenges—climate change, wildfires, droughts, and conflicts. While some regions experience these crises firsthand, others may seem to exist in “safe zones.” Yet, the ripple…

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Girl holding Christmas trees in front of her eyes to celebrate the holidays

The Importance of Presence Over Presents

By Sylvia Lafair | December 24, 2024 |

Summary: It’s easy to equate showing love and appreciation with giving physical gifts. Presents can be thoughtful and meaningful. However, something far more valuable cannot be wrapped or tied with a bow: your presence. Here are some things to think about. Dear Dr. Sylvia, When all the “oooh’s and ahhha’s” after unwrapping the special gifts…

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A crown representing how overachievers can be one-uppers

From One-Upper to Creative Collaborator

By Sylvia Lafair | December 12, 2024 |

Transforming the Workplace Super Achiever Dear Dr. Sylvia, I work with the most annoying super achiever. That is to say, she always has a better response, a more thoughtful comment, and a “great” way to handle conflict (even though she creates much of the chaos at work). In addition, my team and I need help…

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An open book with lights in the middle of the pages to indicate powerful storytelling

The Essence of Powerful Storytelling

By Sylvia Lafair | December 10, 2024 |

How to Get Your Point Across at Work Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to communicate ideas, influence perspectives, and inspire action. However, it can also offend or alienate your audience when not handled with care. The secret to powerful storytelling lies in the balance between conveying your message and maintaining sensitivity. Dear…

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