Blogs
The Secret to Strong Leadership: Less Sparkle and More Facts
Summary: How to lead is often more about charisma, clickbait, and influencers than “just the facts, ma’am.”It’s easy to fall under the spell of charm. Whether it’s a smooth-talking executive or a magnetic team member who lights up every meeting, the sparkle often gets more attention than the substance. But for strong leadership—the kind who…
How Leaders Can Help Teams Move Beyond the Past
Summary: When left unresolved, conflict can linger like a heavy cloud, impacting individuals, teams, and entire communities. But what if the best way to heal isn’t through endless debate or forced apologies but by doing something together to move beyond the past? Dear Dr. Sylvia, I was thinking about a pre-pandemic on-site my company did…
Healing Long-Standing Conflicts: The Leader’s Role in Restoring Harmony
Summary: Conflict is inevitable, but long-standing conflicts—in families, workplaces, or communities—can become deeply ingrained and corrosive. Leaders play a crucial role in breaking the cycle. They guide individuals and teams toward resolution, and fostering a culture of understanding. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have two employees who are a mini-representation of the Middle East, Ukraine-Russia and…
Leading Through Chaos: What to Do When Everything Seems to Fall Apart
Summary: Chaos is inevitable. Whether it’s a sudden shift in the market, a workplace conflict spiraling out of control, or a global crisis that turns everything upside down, leaders are often thrown into the eye of the storm. The question is not if chaos will happen but how you will respond when it does. Dear…
Leadership and Power: The Hidden Parallels Between the Films Conclave and Anora
Summary: At first glance, Conclave and Anora seem to belong to entirely different cinematic realms. One is a tense political-religious drama about the secretive election of a new pope. The other is a raw and darkly comedic exploration of a young woman navigating the unpredictable world of sex workers. However, beneath their disparate settings and…
The Power of Clarifying Questions
Transforming Conflict Into Win-Win Solutions Summary: In the heat of a conflict, our natural response is often to judge, blame, or attack (what I call JUBLA), and then we move to the next level, to defend, explain, or justify (DEJ) our position. These are traditional methods in most cultures. Resolving conflict was to punch, jab,…
From Bitter to Better: How to Transform Workplace Drama into Growth
Summary: This is a tale of workplace conflict and redemption that shows you ways to make real change happen. Enjoy it and use it in your own work life. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am so tired of fighting with my colleagues at work. My pattern is “the clown.” I make funny jokes (at least, I…
How Karma Tumbles Through Generations: Changing Generational Karma- A Look at Elon Musk’s Family
Summary: Generational karma is a powerful force. It’s the set of unconscious patterns—beliefs, behaviors, and emotional responses—that tumble through families until someone finally decides to stop the cycle. We see it in our own lives, but it’s especially fascinating when examined in high-profile families. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Everything seems so upside down at the moment.…
Breaking the Cycle: How Patterns Shape Workplace Tension
Lisa’s response to Greg wasn’t just a moment of emotional intelligence—it was a shift in a long-standing workplace pattern. If she had reacted with defensiveness, their conflict would have deepened, reinforcing a cycle of hostility. Instead, by stepping back and choosing curiosity over combat, she disrupted the dynamic. This is what pattern awareness is all…
How to Spot Manipulative Individuals
Before They Take You for a Ride with Your Work and Your Money Summary: Have you ever met someone who seemed too good to be true, only to later realize they had manipulated, deceived, or even financially exploited you? If so, you encountered a “toxic friend.” In the workplace, these manipulative folks can be incredibly…
Transforming Triggers into Pathways for Work and Personal Growth
Summary: Do you ever sidestep discomfort, avoiding situations that unsettle you? Yet, these moments—your emotional triggers—are key to profound self-discovery and growth. By confronting and understanding your triggers, you can transform them from sources of distress into valuable teachers. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Yesterday, at my semi-annual review with my boss, he told me, and I…
Valentine’s Day Reflection: Hearing the Words Within your “Heart”
Dear All, Have a sweet and caring Valentine’s Day with your loved ones. Along with flowers and chocolates, here are some thoughts to consider. Valentine’s Day is a time for love, connection, and deep listening—not just with our ears but with our hearts. Ultimately, it’s a day when words carry more meaning. Think about when…
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