Patterns
Dear Dr. Sylvia, Do you remember the popular song from “My Fair Lady?†The one with the following words “Why can’t a woman be more like a man? â€It goes on and on about male superiority. Above all, it really seems a bit old-fashioned these days when women are gaining strength at work, at home,…
Read More
Dear Dr. Sylvia. I hate to complain, but my boss is driving me totally crazy. He is smart and knows the science behind what we do, however, as a leader he is just plain awful. For example, He is always telling us how great he is. He brags about how many awards he has won,…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
Summary: How to become more self-aware is vital for workplace productivity. Here is what you can do. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My boss is driving me crazy. I want to help and be a great colleague. However, what he is doing makes no sense. Could you help me understand? For example, He ignores those who want…
Read More
Summary: Did you declutter your home during the past few months? Your home and your mind! Is that all you need to declutter? Here’s what one of my clients said that had me laughing and cheering him on. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have always been a leader, and I am known as “the boss who is not bossy.” Indeed, that’s good.…
Read More
Summary: Why is it hard for so many to say NO? If it means people are upset with you, what can you do? Here are some ideas to stay calm and not be derailed by your insecurities. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Many of my executives complain that they are exhausted and feel overwhelmed because they can’t…
Read More
What are those whispered words that haunt you even when no one is talking? These words show up at the most annoying times. They’re the ones that live in your head, like uninvited guests you can’t get rid of. Each of you, yes, you, and you, and you, have certain stuck phrases. And no matter…
Read More
Before super achievers can listen to themselves or others, they need to know how they got to be so exhausting, annoying, and demanding in the first place. Here’s how the super-achiever pattern was addressed with a new coaching client, Dan, a Senior VP in a large marketing company that offers leadership development courses for senior executives. He said this about himself, which much initial pride, “Hey, I always have to be…
Read More
Are you (or someone you know) an avoider? You know…when there is conflict, contention, carrying-on in a nasty way that doesn’t stop, do you ever think “I gotta get outta here?†We all have that feeling at some time. However, when it happens over and over it’s a powerful behavior pattern…the avoider. Avoiders often grew…
Read More