Leadership

Overhead view of a diverse team in a brainstorming session around a wooden table with a thought cloud in the center, symbolizing leadership dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

Stop Arguing, Start Listening: The Giants of Dialogue Show Why Their Work Matters More Than Ever

By Sylvia Lafair | September 17, 2025 | Comments Off on Stop Arguing, Start Listening: The Giants of Dialogue Show Why Their Work Matters More Than Ever

Summary: What do you answer when someone starts a conversation with “How are you? “Most of us say the typical knee-jerk “Fine, Thanks.” Also, do you enter a debate with boxing gloves on, ready to win rather than lose? Neither way works in the long term. Here’s what makes a difference. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I…

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A dramatic sunset silhouette of two teams locked in a tug-of-war, symbolizing the struggle of overcoming toxic polarization through effort and unity.

When Polarization Becomes the Norm: Here’s What to Do

By Sylvia Lafair | September 11, 2025 | Comments Off on When Polarization Becomes the Norm: Here’s What to Do

Summary: Let’s face it: these days it feels like the world is split into “us” and “them” about… well, everything: politics, workplace policies, parenting styles. Polarization has become the default setting. And when being “right” matters more than being in a relationship, the cost is steep: broken teams, broken families, broken trust. The question is:…

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A single king chess piece stands upright on a chessboard surrounded by fallen black and white pieces, symbolizing the isolation of ego-driven leadership.

Narcissism in Leadership: Can It Be Transformed or Must We Endure It?

By Sylvia Lafair | September 9, 2025 | Comments Off on Narcissism in Leadership: Can It Be Transformed or Must We Endure It?

Summary: The phrase, “That’s just the way they are,” has excused bad behavior for far too long. We often complain about parents or bosses who dominate every conversation, hijack good ideas, and somehow always seem to find the spotlight. But here’s the million-dollar leadership question: Do we have to live with egotistical relationships, or can…

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A modern office desk designed like a puzzle with one colorful piece missing, symbolizing what’s missing in today’s workplace.

What’s Missing in Today’s Workplace

By Sylvia Lafair | September 4, 2025 | Comments Off on What’s Missing in Today’s Workplace

Summary: Leaders are increasingly focused on productivity hacks, hybrid work schedules, and the latest tech platforms. Yet underneath the noise, something essential has slipped through the cracks. Hint: No AI can fix what is missing. Dear Dr. Sylvia, There was an awkward moment at work recently. Before we settled down for our ELT, one of…

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A row of yellow rubber ducks dressed in business suits lined up on an office windowsill with a busy downtown skyline in the background, one duck facing forward in sunglasses, symbolizing The Ridicule Factor and the courage to stand out when leaving a company that no longer meets your needs.

The Ridicule Factor: When You Leave a Company That No Longer Meets Your Needs

By Sylvia Lafair | August 28, 2025 | Comments Off on The Ridicule Factor: When You Leave a Company That No Longer Meets Your Needs

Summary: Forget the official goodbye emails and polite handshakes. The fear of gossip often haunts people when they resign. There is a whispered, “Can you believe she left? She’ll regret it.” Or the raised eyebrows that silently say, ”I bet he was really fired and they are just being politically correct.” Here are some thoughts…

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Fiery "VS" symbol with sparks and flames.

When Trauma Giants Falter: A Rashomon Moment at Omega Institute

By Sylvia Lafair | August 26, 2025 | Comments Off on When Trauma Giants Falter: A Rashomon Moment at Omega Institute

Summary: Leaders who can hold the “both/and” philosophy in our polarizing world are needed more than ever. CEO’s VP’s. therapists, educators, trainers, coaches, directors, and media do best when they lead others to better ways of interacting rather than telling them what is right or wrong. Here are some thoughts to consider. Dear Dr. Sylvia,…

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A leader walking across a bridge toward sunrise while an AI robot stands still, symbolizing personal growth as the real power move in the age of AI.

Why Personal Growth Is the Real Power Move for Leaders in the Age of AI

By Sylvia Lafair | August 20, 2025 | Comments Off on Why Personal Growth Is the Real Power Move for Leaders in the Age of AI

Summary: Leaders today stand on a wild new bridge: one foot planted in timeless human capacities, such as empathy, courage, and intuition, and the other testing the unfamiliar terrain of artificial intelligence. The bridge is shaky. AI is moving at lightning speed, and the truth is, if leaders aren’t growing personally, they risk being left…

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A glowing constellation in a night sky above a quiet forest path, symbolizing the difference between coincidence and synchronicity as patterns that reveal hidden meaning.

Coincidence or Synchronicity? Here’s the Twist.

By Sylvia Lafair | August 19, 2025 | Comments Off on Coincidence or Synchronicity? Here’s the Twist.

Summary: A coincidence is like bumping into an old friend at the grocery store when you’re both reaching for the same bag of organic spinach. Random, curious, and a little funny. Synchronicity, though, that’s a whole different ball game. It’s when life’s things come together like a cosmic stage manager with perfect timing. Read on.…

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Resignation cake with hastily written 'Good luck' message sits untouched in office break room while employees remain distant, symbolizing poor employee termination communication.

What Happens When an Employee Is Fired Without Clear Communication

By Sylvia Lafair | August 4, 2025 | Comments Off on What Happens When an Employee Is Fired Without Clear Communication

Summary: When a team member is suddenly fired without clear communication, it doesn’t just impact that individual. It shakes the entire team’s foundation. Here are the emotional and psychological ripple effects, along with practical ways to restore clarity, confidence, and trust. Dear Dr. Sylvia, One of the nicest and most connected members of our Senior…

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Footsteps winding through shifting desert sand at sunrise, symbolizing leadership communication skills through direction, clarity, and forward motion.

Stop Overthinking and Start Talking: Why “Letting Them Be” Isn’t Leadership

By Sylvia Lafair | July 31, 2025 | Comments Off on Stop Overthinking and Start Talking: Why “Letting Them Be” Isn’t Leadership

Summary: You’ve heard the advice before:  “Just let them be. ”You can’t change people. “Ignore them and move on.”Sure, there’s a time for inner work. There’s also a time to get off the meditation cushion and actually speak up. Let’s get real: thinking about how you feel isn’t the same as doing something about it.…

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