General Resolution

rather be happy or right

Would You Rather Be Happy or Right? The Question That Changes Your Leadership

By Sylvia Lafair | December 8, 2025 |

Discover why the question “Would you rather be happy or right?” can transform your leadership by reducing stress, improving communication, and strengthening relationships.

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Patterns Escalate

Patterns Escalate at This Time of Year: Complete Them or Repeat Them, Your Choice

By Sylvia Lafair | December 4, 2025 |

Explore why family patterns escalate during the holidays and learn simple shifts that transform your reactions, relationships, and leadership.

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The Patterns We Pass at the Thanksgiving Table: A Lesson in Leadership, Love, and Letting Go

By Sylvia Lafair | November 24, 2025 |

Summary: Thanksgiving has a way of shining a spotlight on the people we love most and the patterns we pass around, but would prefer to keep in the pantry with the canned cranberry sauce. Let this year be a day of gratitude and learning. Keep reading about how to make this time with family and friends…

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Imagery for clarifying questions

The Power of Clarifying Questions

By Sylvia Lafair | March 6, 2025 |

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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A group of wooden people arranged in a circle.

Leveraging Systems Theory to Resolve Workplace Conflicts

By Sylvia Lafair | May 2, 2024 |

Summary: We all know that conflicts are inevitable. Whether they arise from differences in opinion, conflicting goals, or misunderstandings, these disputes can impede productivity and damage working relationships. However, by adopting a systems theory approach, organizations can navigate these challenges more effectively. This fosters collaboration and harmony among team members. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am…

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A person holding their hands out with the sun shining in them.

Pay Attention to What Makes YOU Happy

By Sylvia Lafair | April 23, 2024 |

Dear Dr. Sylvia, I want to become a “glimmer gatherer.” You seem to be on a roll with fun ideas on how to follow your heart and also be successful. Please let me know what led you to this direction? I am at a crossroad in my career and need some new ideas as I…

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Two men shaking hands in front of a shadow.

Turn Adversaries into Allies: How Your Enemies Can Become Your Greatest Teachers

By Sylvia Lafair | November 28, 2023 |

Summary: We often encounter adversaries who challenge us, push our boundaries, and sometimes make our paths seem arduous. However, what if we could shift our perspective and view these adversaries not as obstacles but valuable teachers? Here, we explore the profound idea that your enemies can be your most incredible instructors, guiding you toward personal…

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Two men sitting on a bench in front of bars.

Game Theory and Conflict: Unraveling the Prisoner’s Dilemma

By Sylvia Lafair | October 25, 2023 |

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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Two Golden State Warriors’ basketball players

Rebuilding Trust: The Warriors’ Path to Championship Greatness after the “Green-Poole Incident”

By Sylvia Lafair | May 26, 2023 |

Summary: What happens when a fist hits flesh? Or when words sting and burn? Conflict is a BIG problem that can make teams thrive if handled effectively. Conversely, customers and employees leave (or lose championship games) when conflict is swept under the rug. Here are my thoughts about best practices for conflict resolution. Dear Dr.…

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Colorful firework with bokeh background.

How to Leap into the New Year and Let Your Dreams Take Flight

By Sylvia Lafair | December 27, 2022 |

Summary: This is a great time to think about how you want to advance your career and your relationships. Go ahead, take a leap of faith. Here’s what to do.  Dear ….  Did you know that at least 50% of adults make new year’s resolutions?  Mostly they are about more exercise, less weight, healthier eating,…

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