Growth

two stressed persons

4 Mistakes Leaders Make That Cause Stress to Boil Over 

By Sylvia Lafair | August 16, 2022 | Comments Off on 4 Mistakes Leaders Make That Cause Stress to Boil Over 

Summary: Too much stress is self-induced and comes from how we react to change. While the change won’t stop, how you respond can make a difference. While I know this is a fundamental concept, here are ways to look at your responses in a different light.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I’ll make this short and sweet.…

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A silhouette artwork and illustration of a walking man with crown

How to Reduce Stress at Work: Avoid Toxic Social Narcissists  

By Sylvia Lafair | August 9, 2022 | Comments Off on How to Reduce Stress at Work: Avoid Toxic Social Narcissists  

Summary: We live with fake news, general rancor, sizzle and sparkle, slander, and superficiality. As leaders, you must look at the information you receive more intently. Here are ways to judge if someone is here to help or hinder long-term success.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I watched a recent 60 Minutes segment that was chilling. It…

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a man moving toward his goal

5 Ways to Handle Stress at Work and Become Resilient

By Sylvia Lafair | August 2, 2022 | Comments Off on 5 Ways to Handle Stress at Work and Become Resilient

Summary: When tough times happen, it’s easy to pull the covers over your head and stuff down the upset or go to the other extreme and shout it out. A powerful way to drop the doldrums and be courageous is often finding courage from others. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Between the heat, the unrelenting virus, and…

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a flyer with group of diverse people smiling and posing

Leadership Lessons: When Hidden Emotions Show Up

By Sylvia Lafair | July 26, 2022 | Comments Off on Leadership Lessons: When Hidden Emotions Show Up

Summary: The emotions underneath leadership decisions are often ignored. Learning to read your specific personal concerns and upsets can lead to more effective leadership moving forward.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I cannot watch the news anymore without a knot in my stomach. When I see the fires roar around the world and the guns destroy lives,…

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words have power quote

How to Use Your Favorite 4-Letter Word and Make a Positive Difference 

By Sylvia Lafair | July 19, 2022 | Comments Off on How to Use Your Favorite 4-Letter Word and Make a Positive Difference 

Summary: The world has changed, and more freedom of speech exists. However, freedom has a downside. The big question is how to use that freedom productively rather than hurt and hinder relationships.   Dear Dr. Sylvia,  Am I alone in using strong words to help calm me down when I am upset?  I think not.  However,…

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I must not tell lies written over and over again in a notebook

We All Tell Lies, Which Type of Liar Are You? 

By Sylvia Lafair | July 6, 2022 | Comments Off on We All Tell Lies, Which Type of Liar Are You? 

Summary: We have all heard “the truth shall set you free,”; yet, lying is a daily occurrence. Read on to see which pattern, from fibs to fraud, fits your personality and, more importantly, what to do about it.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I don’t know who to believe anymore. When I ask my direct reports about…

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gun violence a public health issue placard

Peace Tools NOT Pistols (or any other weapons of destruction)

By Sylvia Lafair | May 30, 2022 | Comments Off on Peace Tools NOT Pistols (or any other weapons of destruction)

Summary: It is critical to look “upriver” to solve the polarization and violence we are now seeing at work, at home, and in our communities.  Dear …  I am getting so many questions from leaders and emerging leaders about the polarization of our society and the number of attacks on innocent people that I want…

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two pairs doing tug of war on top of two big rocks

How Leaders Can Move Past “Survival of the Fittest” to “Survive and Be Fit” 

By Sylvia Lafair | May 24, 2022 | Comments Off on How Leaders Can Move Past “Survival of the Fittest” to “Survive and Be Fit” 

Summary: External forces keep us on our toes, ready to react. Here we discuss the hidden reasons for why we respond as we do.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I’ll cut right to the chase. Time is going by, and I am frustrated and worried.  I am a 47-year-old healthy male who is the CFO of a…

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a photo depicting the levels of leadership

Leadership Education and Transformation: Is Change Worth the Effort Or Not?

By Sylvia Lafair | May 10, 2022 | Comments Off on Leadership Education and Transformation: Is Change Worth the Effort Or Not?

Summary: Transformation is in vogue right now. Here are ideas to help you decide what to decide. Be careful what you ask for, you may just get it. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am a Senior Vice President of a very successful retail furniture company. However, I have lost my mojo. I want to quit and…

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eggs sketched with faces

Emotional Flexibility in This Time of Constant Change 

By Sylvia Lafair | March 29, 2022 | Comments Off on Emotional Flexibility in This Time of Constant Change 

Summary: The more adept you are in being emotionally flexible, the more adaptable you can be in your leadership role.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  This one is personal. I had a very difficult situation occur with my stepdaughter and she wants to break all ties with me.  I know from reading your books that you suggest…

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