Breaking the Mold: Embracing Change at Home and In the Workplace

A bunch of sticky notes with new mindset and results written on them

Summary: In the ever-evolving landscape of life, individuals must recognize and challenge outdated behaviors that hinder personal and collective growth. Too often, people find themselves trapped in a cycle of repetitive actions that stifle creativity, hinder collaboration, and impede progress. It’s time to break free from the chains of outdated habits and embrace change for…

Read More

How Human Resources Can Use Systems Thinking to Stop Harassment Lawsuits

A circle with the word hr on it surrounded by colorful blocks.

Summary: Human Resources can leverage systems thinking to reduce lawsuits by adopting a holistic and proactive approach to address organizational issues. Systems thinking involves understanding the interconnectedness of various components within a system and how they contribute to the overall outcomes. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Everyone is running to HR to complain. It is, however, the…

Read More

Invisible Loyalties: Why Generational Patterns Continue Over and Over

A group of people standing next to each other.

Summary: Generational issues have been an enduring facet of human society, seemingly immortal in their persistence. Time and again, we see rifts between generations, each believing their perspective is superior, their values paramount. To explore why these issues don’t go away, we’ll delve into the depths of human nature, psychological underpinnings, and cultural shifts. Dear…

Read More

Vengeance Is Not a Strategy; Here’s What Makes a Difference

Finger people with faces drawn on them

Summary: In the annals of history, countless tales of vengeance and retribution have captured our imagination. From ancient feuds to epic battles and cinematic showdowns, the desire for payback has always been a compelling human narrative. Here is what makes the real difference. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I was thinking about you today. I was thinking…

Read More

What We Can Learn From The Dark Psychology of War

A person 's hands with the world on them and birds flying around.

Dear All, Today, I, once again, enter the darkness of what is happening in Israel and Palestine. In addition, it brings back memories of a time that seems a million years ago (actually twenty-one). That was when a group of my colleagues and I created The Center for Intercultural Dialogue. We were doing deep work…

Read More

Developing Systems Thinking Competencies

A yellow piece of paper with gears on it

Summary: Here, we develop competencies for effective systems thinking. Let’s explore these competencies using stories that illustrate their significance. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Is there a specific order for learning about Systems Thinking and Pattern Aware Leadership (PAL) methods? I am a senior VP at a well-known cosmetics company. Sales are saggy, like an older woman’s…

Read More

Nurturing Success: Ways to Foster Effective Group Dynamics in Your Team

A group of people that are sitting around a table

Summary: Successful group dynamics are the bedrock for high-performing teams. Here are critical strategies to transform a group into a cohesive and productive team, from communication and trust-building to conflict resolution and goal alignment. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Firstly, I know effective group dynamics are essential for any team striving to achieve its goals. A team…

Read More