Communication
Summary: There is always a risk to telling the truth. Is it more difficult for women to speak up? Most research says “yes.” Here is a way to be clear, heard, and respected. Dear Dr. Sylvia, As a leader, I know I must give difficult feedback to my team. However, I have not mastered “the…
Summary: We have all heard “the truth shall set you free,”; yet, lying is a daily occurrence. Read on to see which pattern, from fibs to fraud, fits your personality and, more importantly, what to do about it. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I don’t know who to believe anymore. When I ask my direct reports about…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…