Patterns

I must not tell lies written over and over again in a notebook

We All Tell Lies, Which Type of Liar Are You? 

By Sylvia Lafair | July 6, 2022 | Comments Off on We All Tell Lies, Which Type of Liar Are You? 

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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gun violence a public health issue placard

Peace Tools NOT Pistols (or any other weapons of destruction)

By Sylvia Lafair | May 30, 2022 | Comments Off on Peace Tools NOT Pistols (or any other weapons of destruction)

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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two pairs doing tug of war on top of two big rocks

How Leaders Can Move Past “Survival of the Fittest” to “Survive and Be Fit” 

By Sylvia Lafair | May 24, 2022 | Comments Off on How Leaders Can Move Past “Survival of the Fittest” to “Survive and Be Fit” 

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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a photo depicting the levels of leadership

Leadership Education and Transformation: Is Change Worth the Effort Or Not?

By Sylvia Lafair | May 10, 2022 | Comments Off on Leadership Education and Transformation: Is Change Worth the Effort Or Not?

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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an adult man dressed as a baby in a crib

Your BOSS Is NOT Your MOTHER

By Sylvia Lafair | May 3, 2022 | Comments Off on Your BOSS Is NOT Your MOTHER

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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road signs

Leadership Skills to Stop the Maddening Communication from Mixed Messages

By Sylvia Lafair | April 26, 2022 | Comments Off on Leadership Skills to Stop the Maddening Communication from Mixed Messages

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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Image of wordings message of peace

It’s Time to Transform Splitters into Peacemakers

By Sylvia Lafair | April 5, 2022 | Comments Off on It’s Time to Transform Splitters into Peacemakers

Summary: There is so much disagreement in today’s world. Much of it is due to the behavior pattern of separating people into being “for” and “against” each other. Do you know a splitter (or are you one)? Here are ways out of the tangled web that causes the split for hate and even war to…

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eggs sketched with faces

Emotional Flexibility in This Time of Constant Change 

By Sylvia Lafair | March 29, 2022 | Comments Off on Emotional Flexibility in This Time of Constant Change 

Summary: The more adept you are in being emotionally flexible, the more adaptable you can be in your leadership role.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  This one is personal. I had a very difficult situation occur with my stepdaughter and she wants to break all ties with me.  I know from reading your books that you suggest…

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Wooden blocks with black arrow

Here’s How to Erase the Obstacles to Change and Adaptability

By Sylvia Lafair | March 15, 2022 | Comments Off on Here’s How to Erase the Obstacles to Change and Adaptability

Summary: Change is coming faster than ever before. The whole world seems out of control. While change is unsettling, the process of adapting from now to new is vital for future success. Here are some methods to move forward.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I keep vacillating from denying my negative emotions, staying positive, and stating that…

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Creative Energy Options

Are Self-serving Narcissists More Prevalent Now?

By Sylvia Lafair | March 1, 2022 | Comments Off on Are Self-serving Narcissists More Prevalent Now?

Summary: Everywhere you look, people are taking sides at the expense of how their behavior impacts those around them. You best be careful, and please don’t feed the narcissist beast. Here are the signs. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I did it again! Yup, seduced by a fast-talking marketing gal. I signed up for an expensive program…

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