The Cost of Gun Violence: Educators and Health Professionals Must Examine the Devastating Impact on Those Who Survive

A road sign for stopping gun violence

Summary: Gun violence in America has become a vicious cycle perpetuating from generation to generation. It’s time to go “upriver” to solve this crisis. Educators and health professionals are the first lines of defense. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Yet again! Another shooting at a school. More dead, children and adults. What are we missing? The issue…

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Here’s What It Takes To Become Conflict Competent

A Lego boxing match

Summary: How much time do you spend angry and upset with your colleagues, friends, or family? It’s time to learn the skills of being conflict competent. That means you have the right communication system to speak and be heard. More than that, you lead others to solutions that benefit all. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Everyone seems…

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How to Banish the GOTCHA GAME at Work

A graphically designed image of people

Summary: Love it or hate it; it won’t go away. Not those extra 10 pounds! I’m talking about conflict. Those annoying times when you are at odds with someone when you are pissed off with a client, supplier, staff, or even your best friend. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Is it me? Or is the world becoming…

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Here’s How Educators Can Stop Excessive Conflict in Schools

Cartoon image of people talking to each other.

Summary: In every work setting, especially in schools, there is a time when individuals throw up their hands and ask, “Why can’t we all just get along!” Here are tools and techniques that answer this question and create a more efficient, collaborative culture for educators. Dear Dr. Sylvia. Why does conflict run rampant in today’s…

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Tom Brady, Microsoft Tablets, and Work/Home Relationships 

A picture of a football player wearing a jersey

Summary: Few things seem more different than the worlds of work and home. However, it is a myth that we can separate them. Stress in one area often tumbles into the other. Here are some tips for creating a better balance.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  Yesterday I did what I now call “A Tom Brady move.† …

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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…

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It’s Time to Transform Splitters into Peacemakers

Image of wordings message of peace

Summary: There is so much disagreement in today’s world. Much of it is due to the behavior pattern of separating people into being “for” and “against” each other. Do you know a splitter (or are you one)? Here are ways out of the tangled web that causes the split for hate and even war to…

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Pandora, Stress Management, and Hope

Creative Energy Options

Here is a timely story for this holiday season. It starts with a wedding gift. So far, so good. It was a gift from Zeus to the gorgeous young bride, Pandora. However, Zeus put Pandora in a double bind. You see, while she received this beautiful box (actually, in Greek mythology, it’s a jar). The…

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What YOU Can Do If Your Direct Reports Hate Your Guts!

Creative Energy Options

Summary: “I hate my boss” is a common comment in most workplaces. How do you know if you fit the category? Here’s the litmus test. Being a Boss Means YOU Must Handle Conflict at Work You’ve received a promotion. Congrats. You feel confident and ready for the challenge. That is to say, you’re now the…

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