Search results for: does it take courage to change
Gutsy or Bold, Are You Ready to Take a Step Forward?
What does it take to make the leap? Whether you’re gutsy or bold, are you ready to take a step forward? I was reflecting on the physical or emotional cost when you take a GUTSY or BOLD step out of the old ‘this is the way it is meant to be’ mentality. I was thinking…
Read MoreThe One Thing Every Leader Must Know—Now More Than Ever
Today’s work environment is fueled by uncertainty, AI overload, and emotional burnout. The workplace is a psychological pressure cooker. And guess what? No amount of corporate jargon will fix that. Here’s how leaders help employees succeed. Dear Dr. Sylvia, There is a song from way back in the 1980s titled “Looking for Love in All…
Read MoreFear of Losing Your Job: How to Turn Panic into Power
Summary: Fear of losing your job can bury or build you. Which one are you choosing? Our economy is like the biggest roller coaster in an amusement park. However, while fear of losing your job can cause screams, it’s not fun. Nobody gets a lifetime guarantee stamped on their paycheck. Fear is natural—it’s what you…
Read MoreLeading 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…
Read MoreBreaking 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…
Read MoreTransforming 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…
Read MoreAccountability vs. Empty Cheerleading
Why Words Without Action Fall Flat Summary: Social media is flooded with motivational quotes, teammates cheer each other on, and friends offer endless support. But when it comes to real progress, there’s a stark difference between being a cheerleader and having a sense of accountability. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My CEO recently hired a new Chief…
Read MoreThe Importance of Presence Over Presents
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…
Read MoreFrom One-Upper to Creative Collaborator
Transforming the Workplace Super Achiever Dear Dr. Sylvia, I work with the most annoying super achiever. That is to say, she always has a better response, a more thoughtful comment, and a “great” way to handle conflict (even though she creates much of the chaos at work). In addition, my team and I need help…
Read MorePouring from an Empty Pitcher : Finding Strength under Stress
I want to explore what giving means when you have nothing left. Let’s celebrate and honor those who pour water from an empty pitcher. I include actionable tips and insights for individuals and teams, from recognizing personal boundaries to creating a culture of support and celebration. The Metaphor of Pouring from an Empty Pitcher The…
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