Search results for: fear
The Stoic Leader: Steady Rock or Stone Wall? The Pattern Truth Behind the Calm
Summary: Stoic leaders are having a moment. Podcasts gush about calm. Every leadership guru raves about equanimity. And half the world is clutching Marcus Aurelius quotes. This is only one part of leadership. It is the glimmer of the mind. Read on to see what works and what doesn’t. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Until now, I…
Read MoreLost in Childhood ™: How One Leader Faced His Past Before It Finished Him
Summary: Most leaders don’t realize this, but destructive workplace behaviors rarely begin at work. They begin in childhood, long before the corner office, long before the first promotion, long before the first glass of wine at a client dinner seemed like no big deal. Keep reading. This is a need-to-know issue important for long-term success.…
Read MoreAre You a Pleaser or Rescuer? Yes, They Are Different
Summary: Most people who’ve worked with me know that I often trace workplace behavior back to family dynamics. It’s not about blame. It’s about awareness, recognizing how the lessons we learned at home subtly influence our leadership, communication, and relationships. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I always thought I was, like most women, a pleaser. I was…
Read MoreHow GLIMMERS Illuminate The Leader’s Path to Success
Summary: We live in a world full of noise, deadlines, and distractions that pull us away from ourselves. But glimmers are stubborn little messengers of hope. They sneak in anyway. For example, they arrive in a stranger’s smile, the smell of brownies baking in the oven, the sound of wind threading through trees. These signs…
Read MoreBreaking Boundaries: The Leader’s Guide to Doing It Right
Summary: Family, culture, and tradition: our loyalty to them shapes who we are. But sometimes it cages us. Leaders must know the difference. Most leaders don’t fail because of competition; they fail because of the boundaries they refuse to challenge. Breaking boundaries isn’t about chaos. It’s about progress with purpose. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am…
Read MoreA Different View of Leadership in Today’s Polarized World
Summary: Leadership today isn’t just about titles, strategies, or skills. It’s about you, and you, and me. It’s about how we each bring our voices forward, no matter our role. Today is about the courage to speak out, ask questions, and yes, to listen. We are at an inflection point where we can either make…
Read MoreStop Arguing, Start Listening: The Giants of Dialogue Show Why Their Work Matters More Than Ever
Summary: How do you answer when someone starts a conversation with, “How are you?” Many of us give the typical knee-jerk response, “Fine, thanks.” When you enter into a debate, is it with boxing gloves on, ready to win rather than lose? Neither way works in the long term. Here’s what makes a difference. Dear…
Read MoreConversation, Debate, or Dialogue? The Path That Truly Transforms
Summary: It’s easy to confuse talking with connecting. But not all talking is created equal. There are three very different forms of verbal exchange: conversation, debate, and dialogue. The one that can change the future at work, at home, and in the community is the one we practice the least. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I asked…
Read MoreWhat’s Missing in Today’s Workplace
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…
Read MoreThe Ridicule Factor: When You Leave a Company That No Longer Meets Your Needs
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 actually fired and they are just covering it up.” Here are some thoughts…
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