How to Reduce Stress at Work: Avoid Toxic Social Narcissists  

A silhouette artwork and illustration of a walking man with crown

Summary: We live with fake news, general rancor, sizzle and sparkle, slander, and superficiality. As leaders, you must look at the information you receive more intently. Here are ways to judge if someone is here to help or hinder long-term success.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I watched a recent 60 Minutes segment that was chilling. It…

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We All Tell Lies, Which Type of Liar Are You? 

I must not tell lies written over and over again in a notebook

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…

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Peace Tools NOT Pistols (or any other weapons of destruction)

gun violence a public health issue placard

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…

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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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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…

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3 Ways to Go From Overwhelmed to Energized (Yes, It’s Possible)

Creative Energy Options

Summary: Do celebrations and holidays often leave you feeling overwhelmed. Here are ways to stay calm, enjoy all the festivities, and avoid being branded a Debbie/Donny Downer. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I get overwhelmed so easily. For example, every time I think of getting ready for a family birthday, anniversary, or the upcoming holidays, you know,…

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How Successful Leaders Handle Stress and Family

Creative Energy Options

Summary: The powerful mother and daughter relationship impacts all adult relationships. You can change your behavior once you do a deep dive into how you and your mother forged a bond in your childhood. How do successful women do it? Did you ever think about what it means to be a grown-up and a child…

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I’m Not Pattern Blind

Creative Energy Options

Summary: Emotional intelligence and self-awareness are essential aspects of high-level positive communication. Here are some ideas to help you be the best leader you can be. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I’ve heard you talk about “Pattern Blindness” in the same sentence as “Speaking the Unspeakable.” Can you say more, please?  In addition, you also talk about…

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How to See Your Emotional Blind Spots

Creative Energy Options

Summary: Do you want to be able to see what you can’t see? There are ways to make the invisible visible. Keep reading. What can you do to make positive changes when you cannot see what is wrong? That is to say, can you use a magnifying glass or an x-ray machine to help? Above…

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