Conflict Resolutions

An intense close-up of a man's face screaming in fury, his head completely engulfed in flames symbolizing addiction to being right.

Why the World’s Biggest Addiction Isn’t What You Think.

By Sylvia Lafair | June 23, 2025 |

Summary: Let’s call it out. The biggest addiction in the world isn’t sugar, caffeine, alcohol, or your phone.It’s not even power. Let’s discuss what more people are addicted to than anything else. Dear Dr. Sylvia, No matter how many communication and conflict resolution programs we do at my company, there is still way too much…

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Group hug in a sunny forest.

Beyond Either/Or: When Leaders Embrace the Power of “And”

By Sylvia Lafair | June 5, 2025 | Comments Off on Beyond Either/Or: When Leaders Embrace the Power of “And”

Summary: “We’re all in it together, and no one wins unless we all do,” is precisely what leaders need to hear right now. It’s a core theme of Creative Energy Options Inc., and no, it’s not too simplistic. It’s deceptively profound. In a world addicted to binary thinking, right/wrong, win/lose, my way/the highway, let’s cut…

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In a spacious loft, two work colleagues are fighting.

ALPHA MEETS ALPHA: How Strong Leaders Can Thrive Together Without Making People Choose Sides

By Sylvia Lafair | May 26, 2025 | Comments Off on ALPHA MEETS ALPHA: How Strong Leaders Can Thrive Together Without Making People Choose Sides

Summary: It takes practice for two strong-willed individuals to collaborate. Here’s how strong leaders can find common ground, so people dont have to choose one over the other. Dear Dr Sylvia, My colleague and I, both Senior VPs in a fast-moving tech company, are constantly butting heads. We are two strong leaders, and our teams…

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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 | Comments Off on The Courage to Change: Why Staying Stuck Is the Real Risk

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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When Yelling Erupts at Work

By Sylvia Lafair | May 1, 2025 | Comments Off on When Yelling Erupts at Work

How to Handle Conflict Without Losing Your Cool If you’ve ever been the recipient of someone’s work meltdown, especially when the volume turns to eleven, it is disorienting. You freeze, fume, or fantasize about quitting on the spot. But here’s the truth: conflict is inevitable. How you handle it is optional. Let’s look at handling…

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Man hiding from fear of losing job

Fear of Losing Your Job: How to Turn Panic into Power

By Sylvia Lafair | April 29, 2025 | Comments Off on Fear of Losing Your Job: How to Turn Panic into Power

Summary: Fear of losing your job can bury or build you. Which one are you choosing? Our economy is like the biggest roller coaster in an amusement park. However, while fear of losing your job can cause screams, it’s not fun. Nobody gets a lifetime guarantee stamped on their paycheck. Fear is natural—it’s what you…

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

By Sylvia Lafair | April 22, 2025 | Comments Off on When Conflict Hits: Align Your Head, Heart, and Gut

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.…

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

By Sylvia Lafair | April 15, 2025 | Comments Off on Bite Your Lip Communication: A Leader’s Secret Weapon for Long-Term Influence

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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Leadership Development: How Watching A Movie Changed Everything

By Sylvia Lafair | April 8, 2025 | Comments Off on Leadership Development: How Watching A Movie Changed Everything

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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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…

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