Patterns

The Power of Patterns: How to Unlock The Power and Potential for Growth and Development

By Sylvia Lafair | July 6, 2023 |

Summary: How can you, as a leader, navigate through challenges and foster growth and development? How to let go of anxiety and burnout? The answer lies in understanding and harnessing the power of patterns. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have been researching why so many of us repeat and repeat what we do, whether it works or…

A Tale of Two Generations: Impact of Author Ernest Hemingway’s Childhood on His Transgender Son

By Sylvia Lafair | June 6, 2023 |

Summary: Mental health is part of the business world for all leaders to consider at work. Pride Month offers a time to look at this complex topic through the life of Ernest Hemingway. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am struggling with a senior VP who announced he is becoming a she. “They,” asked how that would…

During Layoffs Here’s How Leaders Can Be “Pattern Pioneers” For Long-Term Success

By Sylvia Lafair | February 15, 2023 |

Summary: Pioneers are typically free-thinking, adventurous, spontaneous, and highly creative. Leaders who sort out the difference between a work problem and an ongoing work pattern can lead their companies to long-term success. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My organization is going through the pain of layoffs. I know we are not alone here. However, that does not lessen…

Leadership Lessons: How Professionals Use The Stories You Tell Yourselves for Success

By Sylvia Lafair | November 21, 2022 |

Summary: When stress hits the hot button, there is often a downward spiral. What you say to yourself causes stress to spike even more. Here’s what to do to prevent a meltdown. Every career has its struggles. We all know that! However, when the negative outweighs the positive, it becomes a trap. What kind of…

Guess Which 3 Professions Top The Extreme Stress Scale? (Hint: Lawyers are #2).

By Sylvia Lafair | November 14, 2022 |

Summary: The pandemic showed us where weak spots cause extreme stress and burnout. Here is what to do to recharge your batteries and have less stress. You and I know everyone has a rough day or two or three. That’s when you tell yourself it’s time to take a break, eat a favorite food, and…

Leadership Lessons: How to Overcome Emotional Blind Spots

By Sylvia Lafair | November 9, 2022 |

Summary: Everyone has them. You cannot see them, yet, they are part of your life and can destroy a career (or marriage) if left untended. Here’s help tackling this evasive, confusing area. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I had a BIG wake-up call last week. Now, I’m finally ready to talk about it. It is one of…

Stress Management and Leadership Programs Should Begin in School, Here’s Why.

By Sylvia Lafair | November 2, 2022 |

Summary: Instead of respecting differences, we create more division. Here are thoughts on how to create “a perfect union”. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I was at a college football game recently and was hopping mad at the behavior of privileged young adults shouting slurs at the opposing team. It seems like the lack of civility is…

Leadership Programs for Everyone: “Write It To Right It” For Productivity and Success 

By Sylvia Lafair | October 3, 2022 |

Summary: You can alter your narrative about any situation to enact positive lasting change. You do this when you shift the blame, judgment, and negativity that get in the way of success. Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I am not a believer in magic.   Let me explain. Sometimes I think you make suggestions that are impossible to…

Tom Brady, Microsoft Tablets, and Work/Home Relationships 

By Sylvia Lafair | September 27, 2022 |

Summary: Few things seem more different than the worlds of work and home. However, it is a myth that we can separate them. Stress in one area often tumbles into the other. Here are some tips for creating a better balance.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  Yesterday I did what I now call “A Tom Brady move.† …

Why Our Leadership Coaching Services Start from the Inside OUT

By Sylvia Lafair | September 19, 2022 |

Summary: How would the world of work change if we learned to look at our behavior patterns from a broader perspective? Here are suggestions from our leadership coaching services to think differently. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am frustrated. I have an employee who is always, and I mean always, disagreeing with me. We need to…