Leadership

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 |

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”…

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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 |

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…

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A crown representing how overachievers can be one-uppers

From One-Upper to Creative Collaborator

By Sylvia Lafair | December 12, 2024 |

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.…

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Hire Slow and Fire Fast: The Key to Long-Term Success

By Sylvia Lafair | October 29, 2024 | Comments Off on Hire Slow and Fire Fast: The Key to Long-Term Success

Summary: “Hire Slow, Fire Fast.” is a strategy that may seem counterintuitive in today’s rapid, results-driven environment. Yet, it’s an approach that many successful companies swear by for sustained growth and long-term success. Let’s look at how it can lead to better team dynamics, stronger performance, and a healthier work culture. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I…

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From Tyrant or Timid to Visionary Leader: Transforming Extremes into Empowered Leadership

By Sylvia Lafair | October 23, 2024 | Comments Off on From Tyrant or Timid to Visionary Leader: Transforming Extremes into Empowered Leadership

Summary: In every workplace, leaders influence their teams’ and organizations’ direction, culture, and overall success. Those in the extremes are the hardest to change. They are either persecutor/ tyrants or pleaser/milk toasts. On one end of the spectrum, the persecutor or tyrant leads through intimidation and fear, while on the other, the milk-toast or pleaser…

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Leadership Tips: Beyond Problem-Solving to Design Thinking

By Sylvia Lafair | October 21, 2024 | Comments Off on Leadership Tips: Beyond Problem-Solving to Design Thinking

Summary: Move beyond problem solving. Use design thinking to stay action-oriented and create a better future for your company. Then, you are in the driver’s seat of the fastest car that will get you from here to where you want to go. Design thinking is the winner. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I would like some ideas…

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