Posts Tagged ‘communication’
How to Use Your Favorite 4-Letter Word and Make a Positive Difference
Summary: The world has changed, and more freedom of speech exists. However, freedom has a downside. The big question is how to use that freedom productively rather than hurt and hinder relationships. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Am I alone in using strong words to help calm me down when I am upset? I think not. However,…
Read MoreWhat Happens to Women Leaders When They Tell The Truth?
Summary: There is always a risk to telling the truth. Is it more difficult for women to speak up? Most research says “yes.” Here is a way to be clear, heard, and respected. Dear Dr. Sylvia, As a leader, I know I must give difficult feedback to my team. However, I have not mastered “the…
Read MoreWe All Tell Lies, Which Type of Liar Are You?
Summary: We have all heard “the truth shall set you free,”; yet, lying is a daily occurrence. Read on to see which pattern, from fibs to fraud, fits your personality and, more importantly, what to do about it. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I don’t know who to believe anymore. When I ask my direct reports about…
Read MoreThe Benefits of A Difficult Conversation
Summary: If being judged makes you uncomfortable, here are some ways to structure a feedback session for success. Who do you think has the most challenging time with feedback? Is it the giver or the receiver? Most leadership development programs focus on how the giver, the leader, discusses feedback with the receiver, the employee. The…
Read MorePeace Tools NOT Pistols (or any other weapons of destruction)
Summary: It is critical to look “upriver” to solve the polarization and violence we are now seeing at work, at home, and in our communities. Dear … I am getting so many questions from leaders and emerging leaders about the polarization of our society and the number of attacks on innocent people that I want…
Read MoreYour BOSS Is NOT Your MOTHER
Summary: Do you know that many bosses can be seen as work- mothers? It’s universal and essential to realize this is a complex role that gets in the way of long-term success. Here are some ideas to ponder. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have a mother; of course, we all do! I am also a mother…
Read MoreLeadership Skills to Stop the Maddening Communication from Mixed Messages
Summary: When stress gets high, mixed messages go even higher. Here are some ways to stay in the “safe stress zone” when you get inconsistent and unclear messages. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am an intelligent vice president at a very sophisticated marketing company. I guess I shouldn’t brag. However, it’s the truth. Most importantly, I…
Read MoreAre Self-serving Narcissists More Prevalent Now?
Summary: Everywhere you look, people are taking sides at the expense of how their behavior impacts those around them. You best be careful, and please don’t feed the narcissist beast. Here are the signs. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I did it again! Yup, seduced by a fast-talking marketing gal. I signed up for an expensive program…
Read MoreValentine Gift: Give Stress the Day Off
Summary: Red roses, dark chocolate, or a shiny new car are great gifts for the special day to celebrate love. However, if you give stress the day off, you give the best gift, you being fully present. That’s the best present of all. Even on the best of days, stress can prevent you from being…
Read MoreThe NOT SEE Movement, And Critical Thinking: What You Need To Know
Summary: How can leaders respond to the newest round of books banned in schools? What questions can we ask and what happens next? I received an email that sent me into a tailspin. It’s about what children are learning in school. More importantly, it’s about what they are not learning. Here is the email and…
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