Leadership

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Elections, Families, and Victor Frankenstein

By Sylvia Lafair | October 21, 2020 | Comments Off on Elections, Families, and Victor Frankenstein

Summary: Elections happen all the time. Here is a way to think about who you want to vote for and support. How do we know which candidates have self-awareness and are emotionally intelligent? Elections are part of our lives. From high school campaigns to national elections, there is always someone who wants your vote. How…

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Leadership Strategies: When is it better to make waves and say NO?

By Sylvia Lafair | October 9, 2020 | Comments Off on Leadership Strategies: When is it better to make waves and say NO?

Summary: Saying NO often causes extreme stress. It is one of the essential words in any language. Here are practical communication skills that keep you strong when NO is the correct response. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have so much trouble saying no. I don’t like to upset the apple cart, rock the boat, be unpopular.…

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Speaking Truth to Power

By Sylvia Lafair | October 7, 2020 | Comments Off on Speaking Truth to Power

Summary: How do you stand for what you believe is right and be heard? Speaking truth to power takes courage and determination. Here are some thoughts to consider when you make your own decision. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I built a remarkable career over the past 15 years. I was considered a high potential emerging leader,…

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I’m Not Pattern Blind

By Sylvia Lafair | September 30, 2020 | Comments Off on I’m Not Pattern Blind

Summary: Emotional intelligence and self-awareness are essential aspects of high-level positive communication. Here are some ideas to help you be the best leader you can be. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I’ve heard you talk about “Pattern Blindness” in the same sentence as “Speaking the Unspeakable.” Can you say more, please?  In addition, you also talk about…

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Leadership in a Time of Incivility

By Sylvia Lafair | July 29, 2020 | Comments Off on Leadership in a Time of Incivility

Watching the service for John Lewis got me thinking. About civil rights, about politics, about funerals, and mostly about civility. That’s something we have lost in our country. Not only civility, even more, but we have also lost the dream of the United States. Why are we so fragmented today? Why are so many people…

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How to See Your Emotional Blind Spots

By Sylvia Lafair | July 22, 2020 | Comments Off on How to See Your Emotional Blind Spots

Summary: Do you want to be able to see what you can’t see? There are ways to make the invisible visible. Keep reading. What can you do to make positive changes when you cannot see what is wrong? That is to say, can you use a magnifying glass or an x-ray machine to help? Above…

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In the Room Where IT Happened

By Sylvia Lafair | July 10, 2020 | Comments Off on In the Room Where IT Happened

Summary: Leadership and self-awareness go hand in hand. That means knowing your family and cultural history. Have you ever thought about what happened in the room where YOU began?  #leadership #culture #communication I have a question. Do you know about you, in the room where it happened? The success of the Broadway show Hamilton brings that song…

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Can You Remember?

By Sylvia Lafair | July 8, 2020 | Comments Off on Can You Remember?

Summary: The time has come to understand better diversity and inclusion in our work, schools, and communities. It begins with your personal story. Everyone has one where they were excluded or ignored. Here is how to use storytelling at work. Can you remember the first time words were thrown your way that would bite and sting?  Above…

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Leadership: What We Learn From Gen Z

By Sylvia Lafair | June 24, 2020 | Comments Off on Leadership: What We Learn From Gen Z

Summary: The difference between having a debate and having a dialogue are worlds apart. For healthy relationships, dialogue is the winner. There is an astounding amount of polarization in the world right now. It can be seen in all generations. Sometimes I wonder if the bad habits from the past will ever change. It seems…

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Leadership and Stress

By Sylvia Lafair | June 17, 2020 | Comments Off on Leadership and Stress

Summary: Leadership skills must include best practices for dealing with stress. Here is some food for thought. What is top of mind today is what leadership skills are needed when stress is high, which seems to be hanging around every day during these changing times. That is to say, we all feel it. At least,…

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