Blogs

A dramatic sunset silhouette of two teams locked in a tug-of-war, symbolizing the struggle of overcoming toxic polarization through effort and unity.

When Polarization Becomes the Norm: Here’s What to Do

By Sylvia Lafair | September 11, 2025

Summary: Let’s face it: these days it feels like the world is split into “us” and “them” about… well, everything: politics, workplace policies, parenting styles. Polarization has become the default setting. And when being “right” matters more than being in a relationship, the cost is steep: broken teams, broken families, broken trust. The question is:…

A single king chess piece stands upright on a chessboard surrounded by fallen black and white pieces, symbolizing the isolation of ego-driven leadership.

Narcissism in Leadership: Can It Be Transformed or Must We Endure It?

By Sylvia Lafair | September 9, 2025

Summary: The phrase, “That’s just the way they are,” has excused bad behavior for far too long. We often complain about parents or bosses who dominate every conversation, hijack good ideas, and somehow always seem to find the spotlight. But here’s the million-dollar leadership question: Do we have to live with egotistical relationships, or can…

A modern office desk designed like a puzzle with one colorful piece missing, symbolizing what’s missing in today’s workplace.

What’s Missing in Today’s Workplace

By Sylvia Lafair | September 4, 2025

Summary: Leaders are increasingly focused on productivity hacks, hybrid work schedules, and the latest tech platforms. Yet underneath the noise, something essential has slipped through the cracks. Hint: No AI can fix what is missing. Dear Dr. Sylvia, There was an awkward moment at work recently. Before we settled down for our ELT, one of…

A tray of neatly decorated cupcakes in an office kitchen, with one noticeably messy cupcake labeled “Good Enough,” symbolizing the hidden cost of settling for good enough for work.

When “Good Enough” Is Not Good Enough at Work

By Sylvia Lafair | September 3, 2025

Summary: We’ve all been told at some point, “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” Fair advice when you’re agonizing over the right shade of blue for a website. Dangerous advice when “good enough” becomes the default for leadership excellence, team productivity, and innovation at work. Let’s look beyond “good enough” for productivity and…

A row of yellow rubber ducks dressed in business suits lined up on an office windowsill with a busy downtown skyline in the background, one duck facing forward in sunglasses, symbolizing The Ridicule Factor and the courage to stand out when leaving a company that no longer meets your needs.

The Ridicule Factor: When You Leave a Company That No Longer Meets Your Needs

By Sylvia Lafair | August 28, 2025

Summary: Forget the official goodbye emails and polite handshakes. The fear of gossip often haunts people when they resign. There is a whispered, “Can you believe she left? She’ll regret it.” Or the raised eyebrows that silently say, ”I bet he was really fired and they are just being politically correct.” Here are some thoughts…

When Trauma Giants Falter: A Rashomon Moment at Omega Institute

By Sylvia Lafair | August 26, 2025

Summary: Leaders who can hold the “both/and” philosophy in our polarizing world are needed more than ever. CEO’s VP’s. therapists, educators, trainers, coaches, directors, and media do best when they lead others to better ways of interacting rather than telling them what is right or wrong. Here are some thoughts to consider. Dear Dr. Sylvia,…

A leader walking across a bridge toward sunrise while an AI robot stands still, symbolizing personal growth as the real power move in the age of AI.

Why Personal Growth Is the Real Power Move for Leaders in the Age of AI

By Sylvia Lafair | August 20, 2025

Summary: Leaders today stand on a wild new bridge: one foot planted in timeless human capacities, such as empathy, courage, and intuition, and the other testing the unfamiliar terrain of artificial intelligence. The bridge is shaky. AI is moving at lightning speed, and the truth is, if leaders aren’t growing personally, they risk being left…

A glowing constellation in a night sky above a quiet forest path, symbolizing the difference between coincidence and synchronicity as patterns that reveal hidden meaning.

Coincidence or Synchronicity? Here’s the Twist.

By Sylvia Lafair | August 19, 2025

Summary: A coincidence is like bumping into an old friend at the grocery store when you’re both reaching for the same bag of organic spinach. Random, curious, and a little funny. Synchronicity, though, that’s a whole different ball game. It’s when life’s things come together like a cosmic stage manager with perfect timing. Read on.…

A photo of a woman's hand holding a vintage key labeled "The Change Paradox" as it unlocks a modern hotel door, symbolizing the paradox of change

The Change Paradox: Why We Crave the New and Cling To the Known

By Sylvia Lafair | August 13, 2025

Summary: Here’s the uncomfortable truth: we’re biologically wired to chase change and biologically wired to slam the brakes. It’s not personal. It’s human. And it’s why a new idea can feel good at 9 am and like a nasty rash by 4 pm. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Our company is changing our reporting structure. That means…

Wooden table under desk lamp with puzzle pieces labeled Talent Crisis, AI, Economy, Burnout, Polarization, Old Patterns, partly assembled to represent top leadership concerns.

What’s Keeping Leaders Up at Night? (Hint: It’s Not Just the Quarterly Numbers)

By Sylvia Lafair | August 12, 2025

Summary: Around the world, leaders are tossing and turning, not because of poor mattresses, but because the weight of leadership in 2025 is heavier than ever. Here are the top issues robbing today’s leaders of sleep, and what to do about them. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am the executive assistant to a highly creative and…

A butterfly resting on a windowsill in a modern sunlit office, symbolizing transformation and living your best life.

Are You Living Your Best Life? It’s Not a Hashtag, It’s a Choice

By Sylvia Lafair | August 7, 2025

Summary: The phrase “living your best life” has been hijacked by surface-level nonsense. Let’s reclaim it. Living your best life means confronting the behavior patterns that still influence you. It means saying no to outdated roles (such as rescuer, martyr, or avoider) and saying yes to leading with purpose and clarity. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Today…

Resignation cake with hastily written 'Good luck' message sits untouched in office break room while employees remain distant, symbolizing poor employee termination communication.

What Happens When an Employee Is Fired Without Clear Communication

By Sylvia Lafair | August 4, 2025

Summary: When a team member is suddenly fired without clear communication, it doesn’t just impact that individual. It shakes the entire team’s foundation. Here are the emotional and psychological ripple effects, along with practical ways to restore clarity, confidence, and trust. Dear Dr. Sylvia, One of the nicest and most connected members of our Senior…

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