Blogs

The Upside and Downside of Freedom: A Deep Dive Inspired by “King George” from “Hamilton”

By Sylvia Lafair | July 4, 2024

Summary: Freedom is a multifaceted concept that evokes a sense of power, autonomy, and self-determination. However, the other side of the coin often presents challenges, responsibilities, and unforeseen consequences. Here, we will explore freedom, using the poignant lyrics of King George III’s song from the musical “Hamilton.”Dear Dr. Sylvia,I was thinking about that great song…

Unlock Freedom: Embrace the Hero’s Journey

By Sylvia Lafair | July 2, 2024

Summary: The hero’s journey, a narrative framework popularized by Joseph Campbell, is more than just a storytelling tool. It is a blueprint for personal transformation and freedom. By viewing our lives through the lens of the hero’s journey, we can find purpose, overcome obstacles, and achieve a profound sense of freedom. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I…

Mastering the Art of Debate

By Sylvia Lafair | June 27, 2024

Summary: Debating is a crucial skill, not just for formal settings but also in everyday life. Whether you’re in a professional environment, a classroom, or even at a family gathering, knowing how to effectively argue your point can set you apart. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I hate arguments. I harbor dislike for “right” and “wrong.” There…

How to Master Emotional Intelligence in a Critical Work Environment

By Sylvia Lafair | June 25, 2024

Summary: Emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a crucial skill for success. It’s not just about managing tasks but also about understanding and managing emotions—both your own and those of others. Here’s a deep dive into what it takes to be emotionally intelligent in a critical work environment. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am so angry,…

Navigating Workplace Conflict: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

By Sylvia Lafair | June 20, 2024

Summary: What keeps most leaders up at night is when conflict continuously flares up. Personalities clash, stress levels rise, and external pressures infiltrate the workplace. If you find yourself dealing with the same conflicts repeatedly, your leadership style might be contributing to the problem. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am exhausted. The conflict at work doesnt…

“Don’t Bring It to Work: Breaking the Family Patterns that Limit Success” delves into the intricate relationship between family dynamics and workplace behavior

By Sylvia Lafair | June 18, 2024

Summary: It’s eye-opening to explore how unresolved family issues and patterns often resurface in professional settings. This affects relationships, productivity, and overall success. Here, you get ideas on how to handle your stress level better both at work and at home. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My husband is a wonderful leader. He is the Senior VP…

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…

The Immutable Leader: Understanding the Impact on Organizational Dynamics

By Sylvia Lafair | June 11, 2024

Summary: Some leaders firmly believe that individuals do not fundamentally change. This belief can profoundly impact an organization’s culture, employee morale, and productivity. Let’s explore the characteristics of such a leader and their potential effects on their organization. Dear Dr. Sylvia, The Founder and CEO of my company and I had a dispute last week.…

Six Questions to Ask in Uncertain Times

By Sylvia Lafair | June 6, 2024

Summary: Effective leadership development requires us to read the signs of the times and lead people to a better, more positive place. How do we move from pistols to peace-tools? Key questions are below. Dear Dr. Sylvia, We are living in a world of extremes. That shows up at my organization all the time. Those…

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…

The Dichotomy of Power: How Emotionally Powerless Leaders Seek External Dominance

By Sylvia Lafair | May 30, 2024

Summary: Leaders are often seen as paragons of strength and confidence. Yet beneath this façade, many grapple with feelings of powerlessness. This emotional turmoil can significantly impact their leadership style, prompting a compensatory quest for external power. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for fostering healthier leadership and organizational cultures. Dear Dr. Sylvia, One Senior Vice…

Leadership Training: The Enduring Relevance of Galileo’s Struggle with Truth

By Sylvia Lafair | May 28, 2024

Summary: The world premiere of “Galileo: A Rock Musical” recently opened at The Berkeley Repertory Theater. This unique production, like Bertolt Brecht’s play ‘Galileo,'(1939), is a profound and compelling dramatization of the life of the famous Italian astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilei. Both critically explore the conflicts between science and religious dogma, ethics, and societal…

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