Growth

words have power quote

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

By Sylvia Lafair | July 19, 2022 |

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,…

Read More
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 |

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…

Read More
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 |

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…

Read More
a photo depicting the levels of leadership

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

By Sylvia Lafair | May 10, 2022 |

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…

Read More
eggs sketched with faces

Emotional Flexibility in This Time of Constant Change 

By Sylvia Lafair | March 29, 2022 |

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…

Read More
a chameleon camouflaging

The Three Areas of Adaptability for Today’s Complex World 

By Sylvia Lafair | March 22, 2022 |

Summary: The saying “adapt or die†sounds stark and scary. However, it is a truth that we all need to consider as we explore what it means to be adaptable.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  My staff is driving me nuts. I know I created a giant, hairy monster by giving them a say in when everyone…

Read More
Wooden blocks with black arrow

Here’s How to Erase the Obstacles to Change and Adaptability

By Sylvia Lafair | March 15, 2022 |

Summary: Change is coming faster than ever before. The whole world seems out of control. While change is unsettling, the process of adapting from now to new is vital for future success. Here are some methods to move forward.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I keep vacillating from denying my negative emotions, staying positive, and stating that…

Read More
Creative Energy Options

What To Do When You Feel Overwhelmed and Frustrated

By Sylvia Lafair | March 8, 2022 |

Summary: If you have ever felt overwhelmed and frustrated, you’ll relate to what my coaching client said. When you feel overwhelmed mistakes will happen. Dear Dr. Sylvia, “I had a fender bender on the way to work because I was late and rushing; I tripped going on the up escalator. (Who the heck ever stumbles…

Read More
Creative Energy Options

Are Self-serving Narcissists More Prevalent Now?

By Sylvia Lafair | March 1, 2022 |

Summary: Everywhere you look, people are taking sides at the expense of how their behavior impacts those around them. You best be careful, and please don’t feed the narcissist beast. Here are the signs. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I did it again! Yup, seduced by a fast-talking marketing gal. I signed up for an expensive program…

Read More
Creative Energy Options

Tea with Thay: Traveling in China with Thich Nhat Hanh 

By Sylvia Lafair | January 25, 2022 |

Summary: In June 2000 I was able to participate in the “trip of a lifetime.†Here are some thought about what I learned being with this esteemed teacher about the deeper meaning of transformational leadership. Thay (which means teacher in Vietnamese) â€œbecame part of everything†on January 22, 2022.  He holds the small porcelain cup in both hands. He lifts it slowly, so very…

Read More