The Benefits of A Difficult Conversation

an artwork of an elephant with six people in a room

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 More

Your BOSS Is NOT Your MOTHER

an adult man dressed as a baby in a crib

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 More

Are Self-serving Narcissists More Prevalent Now?

Creative Energy Options

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 More

Valentine Gift: Give Stress the Day Off

Creative Energy Options

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 More

Overwhelmed? We All Are!

Creative Energy Options

Summary: What do you do when plans are derailed and there is no light at the end of the tunnel? Here’s what to do with feeling overwhelmed. Did you ever want to lash out at someone and instead yell at your ever-faithful dog? Or, make nasty comments to your indoor plants for demanding attention. as…

Read More

What is the best present for you to receive now or ever?

Creative Energy Options

Summary: Look at this year and decide the best presents you received. There are birthdays, holidays, and “just because” gifts. Think about relationship communications and see how that fits into your best current list. What is a meaningful gift? Is it something you requested, or did someone make an excellent guess, and voila, there it…

Read More

Telling the Truth: Not for Wimps

Creative Energy Options

Summary: Why is telling the truth so darn hard? Why is it even worse to speak truth to power? It’s about the words and especially about the timing. Here are some ways to make truth-telling more effective. So much information, so much confusion. Who do you believe?  Which media outlets are pushing out fake news…

Read More