Patterns

Hand catching golden glimmers of light and glitter, symbolizing hope, positivity, and leadership moments.

How GLIMMERS Illuminate The Leader’s Path to Success

By Sylvia Lafair | October 1, 2025 |

Summary: We live in a world full of noise, deadlines, and distractions that pull us away from ourselves. But glimmers are stubborn little messengers of hope. They sneak in anyway. For example, they arrive in a stranger’s smile, the smell of brownies baking in the oven, the sound of wind threading through trees. These signs…

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Breaking Boundaries: The Leader’s Guide to Doing It Right

By Sylvia Lafair | September 30, 2025 |

Summary: Family, culture, and tradition: our loyalty to them shapes who we are. But sometimes it cages us. Leaders must know the difference. Most leaders don’t fail because of competition; they fail because of the boundaries they refuse to challenge. Breaking boundaries isn’t about chaos. It’s about progress with purpose. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am…

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Colorful celebration with raised hands reaching through flying confetti, symbolizing courage, connection, and Leadership Without Fear.

A Different View of Leadership in Today’s Polarized World

By Sylvia Lafair | September 22, 2025 |

Summary: Leadership today isn’t just about titles, strategies, or skills. It’s about you, and you, and me. It’s about how we each bring our voices forward, no matter our role. Today is about the courage to speak out, ask questions, and yes, to listen. We are at an inflection point, where we can either make…

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Statues of Greek philosophers sharing coffee, symbolizing dialogue in leadership and the power of listening to understand.

Conversation, Debate, or Dialogue? The Path That Truly Transforms

By Sylvia Lafair | September 15, 2025 | Comments Off on Conversation, Debate, or Dialogue? The Path That Truly Transforms

Summary: It’s easy to confuse talking with connecting. But not all talking is created equal. There are three very different forms of verbal exchange: conversation, debate, and dialogue. And the one that can change the future, at work, at home, and in the community, is the one we practice the least: dialogue. Dear Dr. Sylvia,…

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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 tray of neatly decorated cupcakes in an office kitchen, with one noticeably messy cupcake labeled “Good Enough,” symbolizing the hidden cost of settling for good enough for work.

When “Good Enough” Is Not Good Enough at Work

By Sylvia Lafair | September 3, 2025 | Comments Off on When “Good Enough” Is Not Good Enough at Work

Summary: We’ve all been told at some point, “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” Fair advice when you’re agonizing over the right shade of blue for a website. Dangerous advice when “good enough” becomes the default for leadership excellence, team productivity, and innovation at work. Let’s look beyond “good enough” for productivity and…

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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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