Leadership

Inside out cast together balancing leadership with stress

Leadership Lessons from the Film “Inside Out Two”: What Happens When Old Memories Cause Stress

By Sylvia Lafair | January 9, 2025 |

Summary: Leadership often feels like a balancing act between managing the present and navigating the baggage of the past. For many leaders, old memories triggered by stressful situations can derail focus, cloud decision-making, and create internal turmoil. Don’t stay in adolescent reactions. Here’s how to release what no longer works. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am…

Read More
Business man pushing 7lbs of emotional weight off the edge of a cliff

How to Lose 7 Pounds of Emotional Stress in 7 Days

By Sylvia Lafair | January 7, 2025 | Comments Off on How to Lose 7 Pounds of Emotional Stress in 7 Days

Summary: Ah, stress. It’s like that unexpected guest who shows up, plants themselves on your couch, and refuses to leave until you figure out what they’re really there for. But here’s the kicker: what if stress wasn’t the villain we always make it out to be? What if we started this shiny new year by…

Read More
Pattern-aware leader with colorful thoughts coming out of the head.

Become a PAL (Pattern Aware Leader) in 2025: How to Release Outdated Patterns and Lead Like Never Before!

By Sylvia Lafair | January 2, 2025 | Comments Off on Become a PAL (Pattern Aware Leader) in 2025: How to Release Outdated Patterns and Lead Like Never Before!

Summary: Ready to kick off the new year by becoming the leader you were always meant to be? One who doesn’t just manage the team—but inspires, empowers, and creates a culture that thrives? It’s time to step into your new role as a PAL—a Pattern Aware Leader! This isn’t just about leading with authority; it’s…

Read More
concept of creativity with bulbs that shine glitter.Hand of businesswoman holding illuminated light bulb, idea, innovation and inspiration concept.

From Glimmer to Glow: How the path to flow state transforms your life

By Sylvia Lafair | December 19, 2024 | Comments Off on From Glimmer to Glow: How the path to flow state transforms your life

Dear Dr. Sylvia, I know this sounds delusional. However, I want to change my career. I want to make the shift now. Let me explain. I am a lawyer and work in a prestigeous law firm. Hiwever, the dream to be a lawyer was my father’s desire for me. I was such a “good child”…

Read More
A man screaming with smoke emanating from his ears, illustrating a comical yet vivid depiction of overwhelming anger and frustration.

How to Break Free from Secondhand Stress: What It Is and Where It Comes From

By Sylvia Lafair | December 16, 2024 | Comments Off on How to Break Free from Secondhand Stress: What It Is and Where It Comes From

Dear Dr. Sylvia, Everyone has secondhand stress these days. It’s not that different than getting sick from someone smoking near you. I can be happy and positive, and then someone will enter the meeting with a frown and a bag full of negatives, and suddenly, my smile leaves, and I can feel that annoying knot…

Read More
A crown representing how overachievers can be one-uppers

From One-Upper to Creative Collaborator

By Sylvia Lafair | December 12, 2024 | Comments Off on From One-Upper to Creative Collaborator

Transforming the Workplace Super Achiever Dear Dr. Sylvia, I work with the most annoying super achiever. That is to say, she always has a better response, a more thoughtful comment, and a “great” way to handle conflict (even though she creates much of the chaos at work). In addition, my team and I need help…

Read More
Girl sitting in a bubble above the ocean

3 Ways To Stop Destructive Patterns From Ruining Your Career

By Sylvia Lafair | December 5, 2024 | Comments Off on 3 Ways To Stop Destructive Patterns From Ruining Your Career

Avoid falling into the same rabbit holes of doubt Dear Dr. Sylvia, Why, oh why is it so hard to change destructive patterns? From my time in the Total Leadership Connections program, I know that I can fall into the same rabbit hole again and again. For me, It’s the Persecutor/Bully Role. When I am…

Read More
A woman sitting at the table with her head down.

Pouring from an Empty Pitcher : Finding Strength under Stress

By Sylvia Lafair | December 3, 2024 | Comments Off on Pouring from an Empty Pitcher : Finding Strength under Stress

I want to explore what giving means when you have nothing left. Let’s celebrate and honor those who pour water from an empty pitcher. I include actionable tips and insights for individuals and teams, from recognizing personal boundaries to creating a culture of support and celebration. The Metaphor of Pouring from an Empty Pitcher The…

Read More
A man and boy shaking hands in front of a couch.

Why Business Leaders Struggle to See How Family Patterns Show Up at Work — And Why It Matters

By Sylvia Lafair | November 18, 2024 | Comments Off on Why Business Leaders Struggle to See How Family Patterns Show Up at Work — And Why It Matters

Summary: As a business leader, you juggle a multitude of responsibilities—strategizing for growth, inspiring teams, managing resources, and navigating conflict. Yet, a hidden element influences how you handle these challenges: patterns from your family of origin. These ingrained patterns shape your reactions to conflict, guide your communication style, and influence your decision-making processes. Despite their…

Read More
A man in a suit is sitting at the table

Leadership Tips: How to Get Others To Listen to You

By Sylvia Lafair | November 14, 2024 | Comments Off on Leadership Tips: How to Get Others To Listen to You

Summary: Telling and expecting is as old as the planet. However, what used to work was that the old command and control model had its time. Read on to find out what you can do to get results in today’s world. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Here is what happened a few days ago. I would love to hear your comments.…

Read More