Confidence

When Conflict Hits: Align Your Head, Heart, and Gut

By Sylvia Lafair | April 22, 2025 |

In times of chaos and conflict, most people either freeze, fume, or flee. But smart leaders? They align. Align what, you ask? Not your calendar. Not your chakras (though hey, that might help too). We’re talking about Triple Alignment™: Head, Heart, Gut. It’s a new way of thinking about conflict resolution for leaders. Dear Dr.…

Read More

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…

Read More

Sibling Repair as a Leadership Lesson

By Sylvia Lafair | April 1, 2025 | Comments Off on Sibling Repair as a Leadership Lesson

Summary: Adult sibling relationships often drift apart, influenced by various life circumstances, unresolved childhood conflicts, or differing personal values. However, repairing communication and reconnect can yield profound personal and emotional benefits. Here’s why re-establishing a positive relationship with adult siblings matters, even when a minimal or no relationship currently exists. Dear Dr. Sylvia, As a…

Read More
Two faces going from bitter to better

From Bitter to Better: How to Transform Workplace Drama into Growth

By Sylvia Lafair | March 3, 2025 | Comments Off on From Bitter to Better: How to Transform Workplace Drama into Growth

Summary: This is a tale of workplace conflict and redemption that shows you ways to make real change happen. Enjoy it and use it in your own work life. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am so tired of fighting with my colleagues at work. My pattern is “the clown.” I make funny jokes (at least, I…

Read More
Breaking the cycle of emotional patterns

Breaking the Cycle: How Patterns Shape Workplace Tension

By Sylvia Lafair | February 26, 2025 | Comments Off on Breaking the Cycle: How Patterns Shape Workplace Tension

Lisa’s response to Greg wasn’t just a moment of emotional intelligence—it was a shift in a long-standing workplace pattern. If she had reacted with defensiveness, their conflict would have deepened, reinforcing a cycle of hostility. Instead, by stepping back and choosing curiosity over combat, she disrupted the dynamic. This is what pattern awareness is all…

Read More
A man above.a cheering crowd of acccountability

Accountability vs. Empty Cheerleading

By Sylvia Lafair | February 6, 2025 | Comments Off on Accountability vs. Empty Cheerleading

Why Words Without Action Fall Flat Summary: Social media is flooded with motivational quotes, teammates cheer each other on, and friends offer endless support. But when it comes to real progress, there’s a stark difference between being a cheerleader and having a sense of accountability. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My CEO recently hired a new Chief…

Read More

How to Stop Stress: Step From Self-doubt to Self -aware and finally to Self-confident

By Sylvia Lafair | January 20, 2025 | Comments Off on How to Stop Stress: Step From Self-doubt to Self -aware and finally to Self-confident

Summary: Stress is a multifaceted and annoying creature. One of the deepest holes to dig out of is self-doubt. Yes, it takes a willingness to look inside yourself for the why and the where that feeling of not being good enough began. Here are some thoughts on taming your own stress monster. Dear Dr. Sylvia…

Read More
Bullseye on 2025 representing a hitting New Year Resolutions

How to Be Your Best Self in 2025: Don’t Waste Your New Year Resolutions

By Sylvia Lafair | December 30, 2024 | Comments Off on How to Be Your Best Self in 2025: Don’t Waste Your New Year Resolutions

Summary: Ah, the New Year. The time when we all gather ‘round and try to figure out how we will turn into superheroes overnight. You know, with those resolutions that promise to transform us into versions of ourselves that could probably bench-press a car and perform ballet in our sleep. But here’s a thought: what…

Read More
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 | Comments Off on The Importance of Presence Over Presents

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…

Read More
A man and his son are smiling for the camera.

Fathers, Sons and The Power of Acknowledgement

By Sylvia Lafair | June 13, 2024 | Comments Off on Fathers, Sons and The Power of Acknowledgement

Summary: This is in honor of Father’s Day. It explores how men help boys grow to be the best they can be. It’s never too late to use the power of acknowledgment. Then, father-son relationships become a solid base for health and well-being. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have heard you say many times that women…

Read More