Communication

an artwork of an elephant with six people in a room

The Benefits of A Difficult Conversation

By Sylvia Lafair | June 29, 2022 | Comments Off on The Benefits of A Difficult Conversation

Summary: If being judged makes you uncomfortable, here are some ways to structure a feedback session for success. Who do you think has the most challenging time with feedback? Is it the giver or the receiver? Most leadership development programs focus on how the giver, the leader, discusses feedback with the receiver, the employee. The…

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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 | Comments Off on Here’s What Success at Work Looks Like During Difficult Times

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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a team working together and fist bumping each other

Case Study for Leadership Development and Team Collaboration

By Sylvia Lafair | June 6, 2022 | Comments Off on Case Study for Leadership Development and Team Collaboration

Summary: Here’s how to tell the truth at work; encourage openness and collaboration rather than defensiveness for successful team development. Dear Dr. Sylvia, We are now back in the office three days a week and working from home for two days. It certainly is changing the dynamic of how people behave with each other. Sadly,…

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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 | Comments Off on Peace Tools NOT Pistols (or any other weapons of destruction)

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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an adult man dressed as a baby in a crib

Your BOSS Is NOT Your MOTHER

By Sylvia Lafair | May 3, 2022 | Comments Off on Your BOSS Is NOT Your MOTHER

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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road signs

Leadership Skills to Stop the Maddening Communication from Mixed Messages

By Sylvia Lafair | April 26, 2022 | Comments Off on Leadership Skills to Stop the Maddening Communication from Mixed Messages

Summary: When stress gets high, mixed messages go even higher. Here are some ways to stay in the “safe stress zone” when you get inconsistent and unclear messages. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am an intelligent vice president at a very sophisticated marketing company. I guess I shouldn’t brag. However, it’s the truth. Most importantly, I…

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teammates doing high five

Needed Now: YOU As A Positive Force In The Workplace

By Sylvia Lafair | April 19, 2022 | Comments Off on Needed Now: YOU As A Positive Force In The Workplace

Summary: What does it take to be a positive force in the workplace? Stress and conflict are at an all-time high. I’ve been getting so many calls about conflict at work and even in communities. Here’s how to be a positive contributor at work. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Are we becoming a more argumentative society, or…

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Creative Energy Options

Leadership Lesson: Careful, The Art and Craft of Seduction is Everywhere

By Sylvia Lafair | February 15, 2022 | Comments Off on Leadership Lesson: Careful, The Art and Craft of Seduction is Everywhere

Summary: It’s easy to be flattered. The big question is, how do you respond to all the bells and whistles coming your way? Here’s what to know, so you don’t get scammed. These days everyone is talking about the newest hits on Netflix. One is a charming male who seduces unsuspecting females (watch The Tinder…

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Creative Energy Options

The NOT SEE Movement, And Critical Thinking: What You Need To Know

By Sylvia Lafair | February 2, 2022 | Comments Off on The NOT SEE Movement, And Critical Thinking: What You Need To Know

Summary: How can leaders respond to the newest round of books banned in schools? What questions can we ask and what happens next? I received an email that sent me into a tailspin. It’s about what children are learning in school. More importantly, it’s about what they are not learning. Here is the email and…

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Creative Energy Options

How YOU Can Contribute Toward Our Common Future: Be a “LOOK AROUNDER”

By Sylvia Lafair | January 4, 2022 | Comments Off on How YOU Can Contribute Toward Our Common Future: Be a “LOOK AROUNDER”

Summary: How do you engage in the difficult time upon us all right now? Do you look up for inspiration? Do you look down, hoping things will work themselves out? Perhaps you are one of the smaller number willing to look around and decide that you will be the agent of positive change? Here are thoughts for…

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