Patterns

Dog cowering from misdirected anger from owner

Misdirected Anger and Caring: Two Sides of the Same Coin in Leadership and Life

By Sylvia Lafair | February 11, 2025 |

Summary: Have you ever lashed out at someone who doesn’t deserve it? Or overextended kindness in a situation where you need firm boundaries? These are two common behaviors in both personal and professional life—misdirected anger and misdirected caring. They may seem like opposites, but they stem from the same root cause: unresolved patterns that cause…

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A pattern of people lined up

How Patterns of Behavior Differ from Habits: What You Need to Know

By Sylvia Lafair | January 28, 2025 |

Summary: Understanding the distinction between behavior patterns and habits is essential when examining personal growth and professional success. Although we often use these terms interchangeably, they represent two distinct concepts that impact how we navigate relationships, make decisions, and respond to challenges. Let’s delve into how patterns of behavior and habits differ and why recognizing…

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Pattern-aware leader with colorful thoughts coming out of the head.

Become a PAL (Pattern Aware Leader) in 2025: How to Release Outdated Patterns and Lead Like Never Before!

By Sylvia Lafair | January 2, 2025 |

Summary: Ready to kick off the new year by becoming the leader you were always meant to be? One who doesn’t just manage the team—but inspires, empowers, and creates a culture that thrives? It’s time to step into your new role as a PAL—a Pattern Aware Leader! This isn’t just about leading with authority; it’s…

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Girl holding Christmas trees in front of her eyes to celebrate the holidays

The Importance of Presence Over Presents

By Sylvia Lafair | December 24, 2024 |

Summary: It’s easy to equate showing love and appreciation with giving physical gifts. Presents can be thoughtful and meaningful. However, something far more valuable cannot be wrapped or tied with a bow: your presence. Here are some things to think about. Dear Dr. Sylvia, When all the “oooh’s and ahhha’s” after unwrapping the special gifts…

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Girl sitting in a bubble above the ocean

3 Ways To Stop Destructive Patterns From Ruining Your Career

By Sylvia Lafair | December 5, 2024 |

Avoid falling into the same rabbit holes of doubt Dear Dr. Sylvia, Why, oh why is it so hard to change destructive patterns? From my time in the Total Leadership Connections program, I know that I can fall into the same rabbit hole again and again. For me, It’s the Persecutor/Bully Role. When I am…

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A man and his son are smiling for the camera.

Fathers, Sons and The Power of Acknowledgement

By Sylvia Lafair | June 13, 2024 |

Summary: This is in honor of Father’s Day. It explores how men help boys grow to be the best they can be. It’s never too late to use the power of acknowledgment. Then, father-son relationships become a solid base for health and well-being. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have heard you say many times that women…

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A series of heads that are all in different colors.

Fatal Flaws Are Patterns That Keep Us Stuck in Childhood Muck

By Sylvia Lafair | June 4, 2024 |

Summary: Childhood is a critical period of development where individuals learn and internalize behaviors, beliefs, and coping mechanisms. These early experiences significantly shape our adult personalities. This includes the fatal flaws that may hinder our success and happiness. A fatal flaw is a character defect that leads to significant challenges or failures in life. Understanding…

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A group of people standing next to each other.

Invisible Loyalties: Why Generational Patterns Continue Over and Over

By Sylvia Lafair | October 31, 2023 |

Summary: Generational issues have been an enduring facet of human society, seemingly immortal in their persistence. Time and again, we see rifts between generations, each believing their perspective is superior, their values paramount. To explore why these issues don’t go away, we’ll delve into the depths of human nature, psychological underpinnings, and cultural shifts. Dear…

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A graphic image of a man meditating

Connecting the Dots: From Family Wounds and Workplace Woes to Professional Success

By Sylvia Lafair | July 17, 2023 |

Summary: Many top leadership experts now acknowledge how family patterns appear at work. Here is what some respected educators are saying to help you see the connection from the past to the present. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I want to bring you and your team into our company for leadership training as part of our mental…

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A graphic image with multiple vector elements

Unleash the Power of Patterns: A Revolutionary Approach to Unleashing Collaboration

By Sylvia Lafair | July 10, 2023 |

Summary: This is a great time to learn and absorb new concepts about relationships at work. Now you can prepare for third and fourth-quarter success without excessive stress. Summer discounts are available. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My team and I are ready to tackle the relationship side of working together this summer. Since it is already…

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