Communication

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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Creative Energy Options

What YOU Can Do If Your Direct Reports Hate Your Guts!

By Sylvia Lafair | October 12, 2021 | Comments Off on What YOU Can Do If Your Direct Reports Hate Your Guts!

Summary: “I hate my boss” is a common comment in most workplaces. How do you know if you fit the category? Here’s the litmus test. Being a Boss Means YOU Must Handle Conflict at Work You’ve received a promotion. Congrats. You feel confident and ready for the challenge. That is to say, you’re now the…

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Creative Energy Options

Are YOU a Liar? From Fibs to Fraud, Which Type Are YOU?

By Sylvia Lafair | October 5, 2021 | Comments Off on Are YOU a Liar? From Fibs to Fraud, Which Type Are YOU?

Summary: There are many reasons people lie to each other and also to themselves. Read on to see which category is a fit for you. Then decide what you want to change. It starts, for all of us, when we are very young. From childhood, who remembers that chant: “Who took the cookies from the…

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Creative Energy Options

4 Ways To Fix What Breaks (A Band-aid Is NOT Enough)

By Sylvia Lafair | August 24, 2021 | Comments Off on 4 Ways To Fix What Breaks (A Band-aid Is NOT Enough)

Summary: How can you create a winning situation when it looks like you unintentionally set it up to lose. This is about leadership under pressure. And, in these complex times, pressure is all the time. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Well, it finally happened! And it has been awful, horrible, and over the top frustrating. My whole…

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