Patterns
Summary: We live with fake news, general rancor, sizzle and sparkle, slander, and superficiality. As leaders, you must look at the information you receive more intently. Here are ways to judge if someone is here to help or hinder long-term success. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I watched a recent 60 Minutes segment that was chilling. It…
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Summary: The emotions underneath leadership decisions are often ignored. Learning to read your specific personal concerns and upsets can lead to more effective leadership moving forward. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I cannot watch the news anymore without a knot in my stomach. When I see the fires roar around the world and the guns destroy lives,…
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Summary: The world has changed, and more freedom of speech exists. However, freedom has a downside. The big question is how to use that freedom productively rather than hurt and hinder relationships. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Am I alone in using strong words to help calm me down when I am upset? I think not. However,…
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Summary: There is always a risk to telling the truth. Is it more difficult for women to speak up? Most research says “yes.” Here is a way to be clear, heard, and respected. Dear Dr. Sylvia, As a leader, I know I must give difficult feedback to my team. However, I have not mastered “the…
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Summary: We have all heard “the truth shall set you free,”; yet, lying is a daily occurrence. Read on to see which pattern, from fibs to fraud, fits your personality and, more importantly, what to do about it. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I don’t know who to believe anymore. When I ask my direct reports about…
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Summary: It is critical to look “upriver” to solve the polarization and violence we are now seeing at work, at home, and in our communities. Dear … I am getting so many questions from leaders and emerging leaders about the polarization of our society and the number of attacks on innocent people that I want…
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Summary: External forces keep us on our toes, ready to react. Here we discuss the hidden reasons for why we respond as we do. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I’ll cut right to the chase. Time is going by, and I am frustrated and worried. I am a 47-year-old healthy male who is the CFO of a…
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Summary: Transformation is in vogue right now. Here are ideas to help you decide what to decide. Be careful what you ask for, you may just get it. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am a Senior Vice President of a very successful retail furniture company. However, I have lost my mojo. I want to quit and…
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Summary: Do you know that many bosses can be seen as work- mothers? It’s universal and essential to realize this is a complex role that gets in the way of long-term success. Here are some ideas to ponder. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have a mother; of course, we all do! I am also a mother…
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Summary: When stress gets high, mixed messages go even higher. Here are some ways to stay in the “safe stress zone” when you get inconsistent and unclear messages. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am an intelligent vice president at a very sophisticated marketing company. I guess I shouldn’t brag. However, it’s the truth. Most importantly, I…
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