What is “Eggshell Leadership?” And What To Do About It

Someone stepping on eggshells

Summary: When you have a leader with unpredictable moods, many employees feel their organization is like a roller coaster without a stop button. Here are some methods to reduce tension and exhaustion and create psychological safety. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Whenever I meet with my boss, I get a queasy feeling in my stomach. My work…

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Is Happiness Oversold? Here’s What Truly Matters for Business Executives and Emerging Leaders

A man and a woman laughing while sitting on a desk with laptops in front of them

Summary: Messages bombard us that suggest happiness is life’s ultimate goal. That achieving it should be our top priority. Happiness is undoubtedly valuable. Yet, we oversell it in our culture. Here I explore the idea that other essential aspects of life deserve attention, particularly for those navigating the complex terrain of the business world. Dear…

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Mastering Critical Thinking: A Guide for Leaders

A graphic image of a person’s head with a light bulb on top and other elements

Summary: Critical thinking is a fundamental skill for effective leadership. Top leaders think clearly and rationally, analyze and evaluate information, and make sound judgments and decisions. Here is what to know, what matters. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am a great leader. I’m not bragging. I know what I know. For example, I am great at…

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Adapting and Thriving  as a Leader in These Uncertain Times

Multiple goldfish jumping from a smaller fish bowl to a bigger bowl

Summary: The global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2022 has undoubtedly reshaped the world and significantly impacted various aspects of society, including leadership. Here we look at how leadership has evolved in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. This in-depth blog explores how leadership development has changed post-pandemic and provides valuable insights for leaders seeking…

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Why Psychological Safety Is Cost-Effective at Work

Another graphic image with a lot happening

Summary: Most twenty-first-century workplaces are rife with negativity, tension, and conflict, with enormous costs ranging from decreased productivity to lawsuits. Here are some ideas on developing psychological safety and making positive cultural changes. Dear Dr. Sylvia, The complaining at work about too little time and too much to do is getting old. I have team…

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Strategic Advantage: Leading with a Systems Mindset Wins

Outlines of two human heads with blocks placed where the brain is supposed to be situated

Summary: Incorporating systems thinking into leadership teams can help promote an interconnected approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Here are some steps to add methods of thinking to your executive team. Dear Dr. Sylvia, My executive team is beginning to collaborate in new ways. I would appreciate some tools for including systems thinking in our weekly…

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Critical Thinking for Twenty-first Century Leaders

A graphic image of a woman’s head with multiple other elements

Summary: Leaders are constantly faced with challenges that require them to analyze information. You must also evaluate alternatives and make decisions that have far-reaching consequences. Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally. You must study and evaluate information to arrive at sound judgments and decisions. Here are ways to bring these skills…

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