Critical Thinking
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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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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Transforming Conflict Into Win-Win Solutions Summary: In the heat of a conflict, our natural response is often to judge, blame, or attack (what I call JUBLA), and then we move to the next level, to defend, explain, or justify (DEJ) our position. These are traditional methods in most cultures. Resolving conflict was to punch, jab,…
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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…
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Summary: Move beyond problem solving. Use design thinking to stay action-oriented and create a better future for your company. Then, you are in the driver’s seat of the fastest car that will get you from here to where you want to go. Design thinking is the winner. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I would like some ideas…
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Summary: Debating is a crucial skill, not just for formal settings but also in everyday life. Whether you’re in a professional environment, a classroom, or even at a family gathering, knowing how to effectively argue your point can set you apart. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I hate arguments. I harbor dislike for “right” and “wrong.” There…
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Summary: Emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a crucial skill for success. It’s not just about managing tasks but also about understanding and managing emotions—both your own and those of others. Here’s a deep dive into what it takes to be emotionally intelligent in a critical work environment. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am so angry,…
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Summary: Beyond the confines of IQ tests, Intelligence manifests in diverse ways, shaping our understanding of human capabilities. Do you wonder what your IQ would be if the intricacies and nuances that contribute to our cognitive landscape gave you a more reliable core score? Dear Dr Sylvia, My son is in the “slow” group for…
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Summary: Emotional intelligence is a valuable skill that transcends industries and professions. We can learn much from those who navigate fame with grace and authenticity. Here, we explore how Taylor Swift, the globally celebrated pop sensation, shows the importance of emotional intelligence and its impact on personal and professional growth. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have…
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Summary: Game theory is a field in mathematics and economics. It has proven to be a valuable tool for understanding complex conflicts and strategic interactions. We apply “The Prisoner’s Dilemma” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It sheds light on the challenges and potential solutions in this ongoing struggle for peace. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I know the…
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