Beyond Either/Or: When Leaders Embrace the Power of “And”

Close-knit group hugging at sunset woods

Summary: “We’re all in it together, and no one wins unless we all do,” is precisely what leaders need to hear right now. It’s a core theme of Creative Energy Options Inc., and no, it’s not too simplistic. It’s deceptively profound. In a world addicted to binary thinking, right/wrong, win/lose, my way/the highway, let’s cut…

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Leadership Development: How Watching A Movie Changed Everything

Three people watching TV on a sofa.

Summary: The term “out-of-the-box thinking” has been around for decades. Let’s explore how watching a movie offers a unique approach to transforming team conflict into team collaboration. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I grew up in a world where the mantra was “better safe than sorry.” Therefore, risk-taking is not in my toolkit. For example, I lost…

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Parents as Leaders: Netflix’s “Adolescence” Reveals the Hidden Stress of Being a Leader at Home

Hands holding a red heart together.

Summary: If you’ve watched Netflix’s Adolescence, you probably felt your heart twist a few times. I know mine did. The show brilliantly captures what it means to come of age in today’s turbulent world. There’s another layer quietly pulsing beneath the surface—the stress of being a leader as you parent your children. Dear Dr. Sylvia,…

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How Leaders Can Help Teams Move Beyond the Past

Two leaders navigating conflict

Summary: When left unresolved, conflict can linger like a heavy cloud, impacting individuals, teams, and entire communities. But what if the best way to heal isn’t through endless debate or forced apologies but by doing something together to move beyond the past? Dear Dr. Sylvia, I was thinking about a pre-pandemic on-site my company did…

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Why Leaders Offer Help with Stress But Ignore Its Triggers: A Wake-Up Call

A man in chef 's hat and apron holding knife over turkey.

Summary: Stress is no stranger to the modern workplace. Deadlines, performance reviews, and balancing personal and professional lives create a pressure cooker environment. Many leaders recognize stress’s toll on their teams, offering perks like yoga classes, meditation apps, or flexible work hours. Yet, one crucial element often gets overlooked: the root causes of stress. The…

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What You Can’t See Could Hurt You: The Importance of Learning About Invisible Stress

A man holding another mans hand while he is dancing

Summary: Workplace stress has become a widespread issue. But what about the stress that goes unnoticed? The stress that lingers beneath the surface can impact your health, productivity, and even your relationships at work. This “invisible stress” is a silent force that can wreak havoc on an organization if left unchecked. Understanding and managing it…

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