Critical Thinking
Summary: Imagine walking into a room and saying, “I have an idea for a Broadway musical about Alexander Hamilton.” That alone might get you some raised eyebrows. Then add, “It will use hip-hop and rap, the Founding Fathers will be played by a diverse cast, and audiences will pay hundreds of dollars to watch it.”…
Summary: Let’s start with a question that you don’t get asked often, if ever: When was the last time you changed your underwear? Hopefully, this morning. Most of us wouldn’t dream of wearing the same underwear day after day. We also replace worn-out socks, buy new shoes, upgrade our phones, and trade in cars that…
Summary: We hear these phrases everywhere. “She’s toxic.” “He’s impossible.” “Stay away from people like that.” Social media is overflowing with advice about identifying toxic people, avoiding toxic relationships, and eliminating toxic employees. Sometimes that advice is necessary. Abuse, manipulation, and repeated harmful behavior should never be ignored or tolerated. But what if the label…
Summary: Why do some leaders keep solving the same problems over and over while others seem able to transform an entire culture? The difference is often not intelligence, but pattern intelligence, or the ability to notice the invisible dynamics beneath visible behavior. It means recognizing recurring emotional, relational, and organizational patterns before they become crises.…
Summary: We often think freedom comes from changing jobs, relationships, or circumstances, but real freedom begins within. By recognizing the old patterns and stories that shape our reactions, we create space to choose a different response. That moment of self-awareness is where lasting change begins—and where we gain the freedom to lead, connect, and create…
Summary: Every year around this time, we celebrate freedom. Flags wave. Families gather. Fireworks light up the night sky. And while we are meant to remember past freedom fighters, we often get caught up in our day-to-day activities. Let’s take a look at freedom from another vantage point. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I see Independence Day…
Summary: Every generation believes its leadership challenges are unique, but they’re not. Technology, politics, and markets may change over the years, yet human nature changes very little. Here’s what you need to know to lead in today’s chaotic world. As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day in the United States, I found myself going back,…
“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool.” — Richard Feynman Summary: Everyone talks about self-awareness. It has become one of leadership’s favorite buzzwords. Executives say they value it. Organizations build training programs around it. Coaches promise to develop it. Yet the intentions fall short…
Summary: Most leadership problems are not caused by a lack of strategy. They are caused by stress. Organizations spend millions teaching communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills. Yet when pressure rises, even smart leaders often react in ways that surprise themselves. Why? Because strategy is logical, and stress is biological. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am…
Summary: Most leadership programs teach skills, like how to communicate better, manage conflict, and improve engagement. All are worthwhile goals, but after more than 35 years working with leaders and organizations, I’ve learned something important—skills alone do not transform culture. Read on to see what matters even more. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My team is efficient…