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Business, Communication, Conflict Resolutions, Growth, Leadership, Leadership Strategies, Leadership Styles

Get the BUT Out of Your YES

Sylvia Lafair
January 29, 2020

Do you ever get frustrated with petty conflicts at work? You’re not alone.

A whopping 93% of workers report being affected in a negative manner by conflict.

The other variable is the length of time consumed by on-going, unresolved conflict.

Even worse is the fact that litigation for workplace harassment and hostile work environments has gone up exponentially in the past decade, and still growing.

BIG QUESTION: Why do tensions at work get so dialed up?

BIG ANSWER: The intensity of change is increasing at an alarming rate. AND, time starvation along with generalized anxiety is becoming the norm which makes us all less productive and more defensive.

While conflict will never go away totally, it can be tamed effectively.

Here is my response to Sandra, a senior vice president who said, well, let her say it in her own words.

“Dear Dr. Lafair,

I’m feeling so bleak these days, and it seems to be getting worse. I drag myself out of bed, having tossed and turned all night. Why, because I have some nasty direct reports who are driving me crazy. It seems that no matter what I say to them or how I say it, it falls on deaf ears. There are four of them and my name for them is so bad I don’t even want to put it here.

Well, for clarity to help you give me an answer, they are The F##king Four. Not original, yet I guess it makes me feel better, well not better, just more stable.

Anyway, am I missing something? Can I communicate better? I love some of the ideas about communicating more effectively in Don’t Bring It to Work. However, I need more insight from you, please.”

Here is my response to Sandra:

“Communication is both simple and complex at the same time. Hey, I hear you thinking, well, that’s not much help.

Let me continue…

We have dumbed down the way we communicate with each other. So, I am going to give you a few ideas to use when you next talk with your “Fabulous Four” and see if they make a difference.

The Fabulous Four

Think before you speak: You know this, you’re a seasoned professional. However, please take a few minutes before you meet and make sure you know the direction you want to take in talking with the others. Be specific in what outcome you are hoping for.

Silence is still communicating: Lean into those awkward moments of silence. Often this is where the best communication occurs. If you wait the others will tell you what is really going on underneath the obvious. Ya gotta wait!

Be visual: Our world is filled with color and sound so when you use words to describe your thoughts and feelings you help others see and feel what you want to really communicate. Talk about feeling blue, or seeing red, or looking for the yellow of sunshine. Find your own style and descriptive words.

Get the BUT out of your YES: Qualifies are deal-breakers. What I mean is that when you acknowledge what the other person says and then add a “BUT” no one really hears the acknowledgment. They get stuck on the BUT. Change to AND when you want to add something. I promise it will make a difference.

You are the major ingredient in making conflict move faster or slower.

Take a deep breath a big deep breath and lead the way.”

Business, Communication, Leadership, Leadership Strategies

How to Understand People…At Least Some of the Time

Sylvia Lafair
January 22, 2020

Learning how to understand people especially when you are ready to make a quick decision is an important skill.

How many times have you looked at a boss, colleague or direct report and said to yourself, “Why did they do that?” And this was said with frustration and even dismay.

Were you curious to find the answer or did you just shrug your shoulders, deciding you really don”t care?

Happens all the time.

Just like Jim who sent the following email.

“Hi, Sylvia,

Help! My direct report Danny just handed in an expense report with over $2000 for food and beverages.

He has a small monthly amount that we cover, like under $500. I have not talked with him yet. I want some advice and mostly I want to understand this outrageous expense.

Did he think it would just slide right by me? Does he want to be fired? Is he asking for a raise in this manner?

I’m so annoyed my first impulse is to fire him.

However, he does a great job so maybe I’m not looking clearly enough. Thoughts to help please.”

-Jim

My answer was to dig deeper into his conversation with Danny.

Here are the main questions for Jim to ask:

Were the numbers correct?
How did he come to the conclusion this amount was fair?
Why didn’t he discuss with you before he sent this in with such a high number?

AND NOW THE BIG QUESTION:

What does he want as an outcome from the present meeting?

Here is what Jim told me after he talked with his direct report.

” WOW, Sylvia…

That last question opened up a world of surprise.

Well, surprise and some frustration. It turns out that after lots of hemming and hawing Danny came clean.

He admitted he was taking friends out to dinner that had limited connection to work.

And they were drinking way too much. He had convinced himself he was hoping he could convince some of them to come work at his amazing company by showing them how generous the firm was with lots of perks, like fancy dinners.

He figured he would get one or two to join the firm and then be a big hero.”

Then Jim added ” The crazy thing is Danny really got us two new really great employees out of this and it ended up being cheaper than a recruiter.

What I learned from this is not to decide without more facts. Cause I was sure ready to fire him. And Danny learned to discuss before deciding the right course of action.

And now I know your question “what do you want as an outcome of what happened”is the best accountability question you can ever ask.

THANKS,

Jim

And there you have it. Ask before you act. It will save lots of aggravation.

To Your Success.

-Sylvia

Business, Communication, Leadership, Leadership Strategies

Time to Upgrade Your Communication Skills

Sylvia Lafair
January 15, 2020

Time to get your communication skills upgraded. Let’s start with a quiz. What are the two most annoying words that we all misuse?

Don’t cheat and look at the end of this. Just keep reading. It will make more sense that way.

Here’s the story Carol told me about a situation at work. It locked her into using simple words that were causing lots of difficulty in her relationships. Especially with David.

They were on the same leadership team and she had to find a way to work with him.

Her complaint about David? “He’s always right. Or so he says. And more than that, he always has to have the last word.”

And then she said with frustration, “He never asks questions, only tells his point of view.”

Her worry was, “He’s up for a promotion and all I can tell you is, I could never report to a jerk like him.”

And what about David?

He thought Carol was a control freak who would never ask questions, only give her point of view.

Two peas in a pod, so to speak.

Did they have personality conflicts? You betcha.

However, it goes beyond personalities. They are stuck with words that deflate ad defeat.

They were stuck, as so many are, with the words ‘always’ and ‘never.’

These are two of the most destructive words you can use because they shut down communication rather than set the stage for new possibilities.

Think about how you use these words.

Where do you ‘always” and where do you ‘never’?

I bet you are so familiar with these words you really don’t even give them a second thought. They were ripe for most of us from our childhood.

Stuff like your mom saying, “You never do what I tell you to do.” Or, a sibling jealously saying, “You always show off in front of my friends.”

What do these words do?

They start a power game. Sadly, a game that can’t be won.

These words create antagonism.

They set it up so the other person must prove to you that you are wrong. Or they feel defeated and a barrier is created that cuts off real communication.

Now you know the two destructive words. Here’s what you can do to upgrade your communications skills…

Filter before you speak.

Look, just about everything in life is fluid. It really isn’t an always or never world. It’s a world of change, change, change. And even the most offensive of relationships has the power to be redirected with good intentions.

Rather than make the ‘always’ and ‘never’ claims, use words like ‘often’ ‘regularly’ and ‘habitually’ when you want to make a point when you are frustrated.

Then give room for someone to respond. ASK don’t tell.

Dale Carnegie, author of the well-known book “How to Make Friends and Influence People” suggests that “90 percent of all management problems are caused by miscommunication.” Notice he didn’t say ‘always.’ He left room for other possibilities.

And here is what happened with David and Carol.

David was promoted and became Carol’s boss.

And Carol proved herself right. She soon left the company because she could never report to a jerk like David. And guess what? In her next job, there was another David who always drove her nuts.

She’s now looking for a new job where she never has to be bothered by people who always want to tell her what to do.

Want to hire her?

Yes, words have power. Take the time to really clean up your choice of words so you can upgrade your communication skills.

TOTAL LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS™ LEVEL 1 Give Away

My book, “79 Power Sentences” can give you great ideas on how to change the way you express yourself.

Let me know by emailing me if you would like a copy.

Simply email me at sylvia@ceoptions.com and it’s yours for free.

Business, Communication, Growth, Leadership

Communicate to Captivate: How to Talk Truth to Power

Sylvia Lafair
January 9, 2020

This month is dedicated to communication, to telling the truth without spilling your guts, or for some, letting go of the truth festering inside because of the fear of retribution, and getting past the upset.

There is a better way...

Based on so many calls and emails I have gotten in the past few months, while communication is at the heart of how we behave with each other, the willingness to talk truth to those who you see as powerful often leads to excuses rather than action. Or it finally boils over and you end up regretting what you have said.

Stop for a moment and answer the following questions.

What words come to mind when you think about having a difficult conversation with your boss, your business partner, your chairman, or even your life partner?

When I ask teams I coach, the words that pour forth are “Scary, nerve-wracking, tense, nauseating, fearful?”

Now, think of yourself as an eleven-year-old. What words come to mind when your parents sat down with you for a difficult conversation? I bet the same words apply.

Why is it scary to tell the truth, especially to power?

When you were a kid, you risked being punished. And at work, there is always the fear of being fired.

We did a survey of 1700 corporate executives and employees. The base question was “What makes a good boss and a good employee?”

One of the most important responses from over 80% said that a boss needs to ask for feedback from employees. And that same number said that employees need to be trained in how to give feedback to a boss.

The comments about giving the feedback were, you guessed it, that is was scary, nerve-wracking, tense, nauseating, and fearful.

We know that organizations that encourage open communication and honest feedback enrich relationships and build trust, yet, that’s not always the case. Part of the reason so many would rather lie on a bed of nails than tell a boss what they really think is there hasn’t been much training about how to have these complicated discussions.

Here are the basics for talking truth to power. And, may I suggest, don’t wait. The delay could make what you want to say outlive its usefulness.

Be specific: “I need to discuss getting an assistant by next month.” Rather than, “I’m overwhelmed with the workload.”
Be Detailed: “I have several reports you expect (name them) and without some additional help, I won’t be able to fulfill your request. Rather than “I don’t want my work to be late and not detailed enough for you.”
Be factual: I did already tell you (name times) I would need some help, however, I don’t think I was clear and forceful enough.” Rather than, “I always say yes and then I realize there is too much on my plate and even when I work nights and weekends, it still isn’t getting done.”
Be immediate: “I need a commitment from you to get some help so we don’t end up angry with each other.” Rather than “I hope you will do the right thing and get back to me.”

When you frame your words with the 4 Be’s above, you eliminate lots of judgment, blame, and attack that would deter a positive outcome.

This takes practice. You can talk with a friend or coach before you have the truth to power talk. They get easier as you keep doing them and they save time and hurt feelings.

Want more about communication and power?

I would love to offer you a FREE copy of my book “79 Power Sentences.” Find out the one word that changes minds quickly.

CLICK HERE FOR INSTANT DOWNLOAD!

Business, Growth, Gutsy, Leadership, Leadership Strategies, Leadership Styles, Success

What’s the best present you received?

Sylvia Lafair
December 23, 2019

What is the best present you received this year? I mean, the very best.

Is it something you requested or did someone simply make a great guess, and voila, there it is in front of you?

And what is the best gift you gave to yourself?

Think about the following the next time you are ready to give and to receive.

This year, I have been surprised, and yes, delighted to see the huge number of articles about giving meaningful gifts.

And so many are focused on experiences over material goods.

Remember those days when gift-giving, for any occasion, needed to include a designer symbol? If it said DKNY, Gucci, Prada, or Lauren, it either suggested you are rich, have rich friends, or you want to be seen in the company of the rich and powerful.

Not so much anymore.

The focus today is on being with people you enjoy and gathering fond memories that will last a lifetime and on the importance of self-care.

In our present world, so many feel overwhelmed, blurry-eyed, and fuzzy-headed because it seems impossible to find time to take a break and relax.

When considering what the best present to gift yourself is to ask yourself: What do you need more of? And how can you get ‘the more’ you want and need?

The best way to answer these questions is to give yourself the gift of silence. Clarity comes more easily to a quiet mind than if there is so much chattering no new ideas can’t come through.

Here are suggestions for the best present you can give yourself and to others:

Take a break: At work, at home, just find a quiet place and simply stare at the wall, look out of the window, close your eyes and be still. Do this for 20 minutes. Practice this and you will find a new level of calmness and appreciation for getting your work done effectively and more easily. Call it meditation if you like, or just call it zipping it!
Journal: Write out your thoughts and feelings for 10 minutes. No worry about the right words or grammar, just write. Often, you will become clear about the next steps toward what will bring you joy and health. Once a month look back and review.
Exercise: Walk for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week. No cell phone, no need to get somewhere. Just walk. Concentrate on how your body maneuvers as you walk. It’s amazing to think about all the internal messages that get your feet to take one step after another. Appreciate all that your body does to get you from here to there.

Read: Keep a book of quotes or one that guides you to new ways of thinking near your desk or night table. Take time to read a few pages every day. This can redirect your thoughts to ‘the better angels’ inside you. Or find some TED Talks that inspire you. (May I suggest “GUTSY: How Women Leaders Make Change” )
Breathe: Deep breathing for 7 minutes will bring more oxygen to your body-mind. Do this: Deep breath to the count of 7, then hold your breath for the count of 7, then breath out to the count of 7, and then hold your breath again for the count of 7. Do this 7 times. When you open your eyes, the world can look brighter.

These best presents can move you out of overwhelm so you won’t have to battle burnout. Make yourself a promise to explore these easy and available gifts and put your own designer name on them. And know that YOU are rich and powerful.

Business, Business and Life Patterns, Growth, Gutsy, Leadership, Leadership Strategies, Managing Stress

What to do when life seems out of balance

Sylvia Lafair
December 18, 2019

Everyone is telling me this year has more stress and strain than in the past? You agree?

“Why,” people are asking, “is life so much more out of balance now?”

I must admit, I’m not sure. However, I have a hunch that all the social media stuff is really making us kinda crazy.

I was taking a few minutes to think about what we can learn from this seemingly frantic year and I landed on one word.

CURIOSITY

CURIOSITY is the doorway that can keep us all from falling down the rabbit hole of overwhelm and self-doubt.

CURIOSITY is the doorway that stimulates growth, joy, and expansion.

CURIOSITY is what helps us out of the prison of frustration and insecurity.

Let me explain. But, first a question.

What do you do when your plate is overflowing and you need to say STOP, yet you are afraid you will disappoint everyone?

I’ve asked lots of people this question and most of the answers fall into three categories

I just put my head down and keep going.
I eat every comfort food I can find and just keep going.
I give up and turn on Netflix.

Here is a better idea. For the rest of your lives you can do what I am now about to suggest. Do what I say, for at least one day and see how it feels and how your thinking can become more centered.

Ready?

For ONE MINUTE out of every hour (that’s just 60 seconds) allow for the unexpected. Just take that minute and reclaim the wonder of the very small child. In that one minute, fatigue will go, and curiosity and creativity will enter. And even better, your heart can open.

You can call it a minute meditation, you can call it a minute to chill out, you can call it anything you like. It is less than 15 minutes in your whole day to get away from your daily grind.

Then go back to what you were doing.

I have offered this technique to thousands of people and my guess is that at least 60% of those who did this one- minute- stop found that they were more creative and more content after a few days.

Set your watch or computer or smart phone. Just one minute each hour can make amazing changes in how you view the daily situation you are in.

There is a curious child in each of us that would love to come out and play. I’ll meet you on the swing set and climbing wall.

Business, Business and Life Patterns, Leadership, Leadership Strategies, Leadership Styles, Success

Can people with high emotional intelligence still be assholes?

Sylvia Lafair
October 29, 2019

Here’s a question that comes up way too often. Before I state the question let me set the context.

Do you believe the leaders at your organization are good and positive people? Can you talk with your team and feel there is mutual respect? Have you ever been bullied by a brilliant boss?

Now the question: Can people with high emotional intelligence still be assholes?

Who better to pose the question to than Dr. Robert Sutton, Professor of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University? He’s the author of the best seller “The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t.”

“The book has,” he said as we started our discussion, “never gone out of style, since bullying behavior in the workplace worsens morale and productivity.”

Bob’s endorsement of my book “Don’t Bring It To Work” means a lot to me. However, I told him I was initially resistant to having the word asshole right smack on the front cover of my book.

He smiled and said, “Look, there’s such an emotional reaction to the word asshole that I’d rather be straight out offensive than ignored.”

Sutton is NOT a man to be ignored.

Vivacious, fun, and creative he can go full speed in many directions at once.

What fascinated me was our discussion concerning the dark side of emotional intelligence.

Sutton pointed out that E.I. is an important aspect of leadership development. Yet, like everything else in life, the bright side of being aware of your emotions, communicating effectively, aligning with others to help them through their doubt and overwhelm, while important, comes with its shadows.

“Smart people with keen intelligence can also be brilliant manipulators. They have the language down pat, all the words that touch the emotions, they know how to play the game of ‘good and caring’ except they can truly be, well…. Assholes. This is far too common in the workplace and suddenly, you trusted too much and projects, possibilities, begin to unravel.” Instead, I would like you to be a positive force in the workplace.

Understanding and being able to call out the devious aspects of very smart people can save you lots of angst when hiring, promoting, and developing leadership talent.

Look, we all have a dark side.

However, most of us also have a conscience that keeps us from manipulating others and keeps us from standing on their backs to get ahead.

Yet, you must be prepared to call out those who take advantage before the house of cards falls on you.

Here’s what to look for:

Charm and charisma: these emotional vipers have great verbal skills, with an uncanny ability to find your ego needs and fan the flames of how wonderful you are and how they can help you.
Blazing hot connections: they know ‘all the right people’ they can introduce you to.
Empathy: they understand you, show great compassion, and know what you are feeling and how to help.
Overpromise: paint an appealing picture of how the future will be great as you bond with them.
Underdeliver: easily point finger of blame at others when situation turns sour.

For your own success, learning to spot those who use emotional intelligence to manipulate is vital. Don’t be swayed by the good-looking, smooth talkers no matter how sparkling they first appear. They often are the biggest assholes you will ever meet.

Keep this as your mantra “If it seems to be too good to be true, it usually is.”

Dr Sutton, a pragmatist at heart added, “Some things can look mighty good. But, don’t get trapped into their promises of magic. It’s hard work and integrity that count.”

Business, Business and Life Patterns, Confidence, Gutsy, Leadership, Leadership Strategies, Leadership Styles

Why Women Today Need To Go Bigger, Go Bolder, Go GUTSY!

Sylvia Lafair
October 15, 2019

When I was researching my book “GUTSY: How Women Leaders Make Change” I came across some fascinating, frustrating, and vital information that made me want to stand up and yell “Hey everyone. It’s about time. Time to break away from past cultural fears that still create so much self-doubt and hold us back from playing full out.”

Let me explain.

Has anybody been to Salem Massachusetts? On Halloween? It’s a “madhouse” (pardon the pun) of psychics everywhere ready to do readings. It’s also a great place to explore some of those cultural fears that still have a hold on us.

Halloween is a special time in Salem. However, all year round great information is there for us to learn about the witch trials of 1692. Women, bona fide healers who worked with herbs and their own intuition, were considered well, witches. That was a time when any GUTSY woman knew to keep her intuitive abilities undercover or suffer an ugly death.

Interesting that modern brain research indicates that women have an advantage in the ability to sense when something is about to happen. And yet, most of us ignore this internal warning system probably because we just want to fit in and stay safe. Could it also be subtle memories about ancestors who did not shut up and were burned at the stake that makes us wary?

Who knows?

Let’s go back even further and check out Greek legends. Anybody reading this named Sandra or Cassandra, pay super strict attention. Here’s the love story: the god Apollo fell in love with the princess Cassandra. He gave her a gift; so far a typical story. The gift, however, was more than a gorgeous bracelet or trip to a lavish island; it was the gift of prophecy.

Now, this gift was non-refundable… Yet, when Cassandra did not get all mushy about Apollo, he became a scorned lover and wanted revenge. Yup, happens all the time. So, the only thing this mad man could do was put a curse on her; make it so no one would listen. Thus, when she warned that her beloved homeland, Troy would be destroyed no one would believe her.

Hummmm. Ancient Greece, witch trials, women getting brushed aside when they see where things are heading; told to mind their own business.

Look, we all know the speed of change is constantly escalating and yes, we do need to speak out. No more letting fear and self-doubt win.

Remember Sherron Watkins? She was a former Vice President of Corporate Development at Enron. She helped uncover that ugly scandal. As a whistleblower, she, to this day, discusses the isolation that comes from talking truth to power and how important it is to speak out. Ask yourself, are you Gutsy or Bold?

It is only through talking truth to power and being brave that we can continue to transform the patterns from the past. Karen Mangia is a great example of a Gutsy Woman and you can read all about her here.

That’s why I started my private Facebook Group “Women Leaders Inner Circle” to have a safe place to discuss how to erase self-doubt, stop listening to the inner critic that can paralyze even the most talented people, and find the confidence to go bigger, go bolder, go GUTSY.

Please join me and add your voice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenleadersinnercircle/

It’s about you, it’s about me and it’s about time.

Business, Business and Life Patterns, Confidence, Growth, Leadership, Leadership Strategies, Success

3 Key Ways to Win at Work

Sylvia Lafair
October 1, 2019

My work with individuals and groups over the years has helped me to uncover 3 key ways to win at work when you’re feeling frazzled and ready to throw in the towel.

Have you found that at one time or another you wanted to stuff a sock in someone’s mouth rather than listen to them wail or rail?

Think about the gal on your team that never stops complaining, or the big shot who is always bragging, or the bully who steamrolls over others with their point of view and never listens to others.

You go home exhausted from the tension and lack of cooperation.

“It’s just business,” you say to yourself with a shrug.

Hey there, pay attention. That’s just traditional wisdom playing with you.

And it’s simply NOT true.

There are businesses with great leaders who get along, have fun at work, enjoy solving challenges together, and make great profits.

You belong in that setting. Here’s what many leaders have done to create workplaces that work.

Let’s look at the three main ways of changing what’s not working, for you or those on your team (Hint for leaders: you need to start with yourself before you can be of help to others).

Here is the way OUT:

Observe your own behavior: If you have a problem and you solve it, that’s great. That’s what business is all about. However, if the same problem keeps showing up time after time, well then, you have a pattern to deal with.

Once you declare a problem to be repetitive, then you can make change happen.

Understand the root issues: Close the door or go sit in your car. No distractions. Write out what is keeping you stuck. Not a dissertation, just a short paragraph. Now, answer this question “When else did you have the same feelings of frustration and upset?”

Connect the dots from past upsets to the present problem. My bet is that you will see quickly how the past and present are related.

Transform by taking action: This is where you commit to change. Take an honest look at the part you play in the on-going situation (yes, you do play a role, so don’t try to wiggle out of this by pointing your finger at others). Changing behavior beyond a superficial way requires discipline, experimentation, and practice.

There are 13 major patterns that get in the way of positive relationships at work. You can find out which one/s have you name on them by taking the Leadership Quiz at www.ceoptions.com.

Take the quiz. It’s eye-opening.

Cause if you don’t, you’ll stay stuck in pattern repetition, like the guy in the movie Groundhog Day.

Once you learn to harness your own power by transforming the negative patterns into healthy ones you get amazing rewards. There is more honest communication, better relationships, optimized team collaboration, and greater financial success.

Become a pattern buster and watch your leadership abilities soar.

Business, Growth, Leadership, Leadership Strategies, Leadership Styles

What Does Integrity Really Mean?

Sylvia Lafair
August 28, 2019

Did you know that integrity is the most mentioned business value in the world? In almost all cultures the concept of integrity comes at the top of the list which also includes collaboration, creativity, and communication.

Integrity is such a BIG word. Question is “What does it really mean?”

Traditional ways of thinking about integrity include what I call ‘The 5 B’s’:

Be honest
Be respectful
Be courageous
Be balanced
Be consistent

Sounds good. They all fit as part of the definition of integrity. And yet…

Be honest: have you ever told any little white lies or a big one?
Be respectful: Have you ever judged someone as soon as you met them?
Be courageous: Have you ever held back to play it safe?
Be balanced: Have you ever exaggerated to make points for yourself?
Be consistent: Have you ever over-promised and under-delivered?

Here I would like to offer another perspective about integrity. It’s about shining the light on the consequences of your behavior. I suggest that integrity must include taking the time to think through the results of our actions and the impact they can have over time.

The 1967 film “The Graduate” had a striking moment when Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) a recent college graduate is back at home with his parents as he tries to avoid the one question everyone keeps asking him about what he wants to do with his life.

A very helpful man pulls Benjamin aside to offer him career advice and says to him with a sure and smug attitude… “There’s just one thing I want to say” to which the college grad asks “What” and the man replies, “Plastic.”

By the early ’70s, the idea of everything plastic was where the winners would make their fortunes. Selling water (selling water?) in plastic bottles was becoming the rage.

Needless to say, there is more to the story, including Mrs. Robinson. It’s a fascinating film directed by Mike Nichols and a good one to re-see or see for the first time.

In any case, who would have thought that something so simple and useful like plastic could become the worst possible thing for our planet 50 years later?

Thinking through the consequences of our actions and how people and situations and things impact each other is at the core of integrity. We MUST start asking different questions and making a longer timeline for our actions and the reactions that will occur.

And that is the essence of integrity: to integrate all aspects of a situation and as best as we can, and do no harm.

Business icon, Warren Buffett says it perfectly, “In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first one, the other two will kill you.”

In all of our leadership programs we teach that “We’re all connected, and no one wins unless we all do.”

And that, my friends, is the core of long term, sustainable integrity.

Want to know more about where you fit with leadership values? Go to www.ceoptions.com, take the leadership quiz and contact us to go over the results.

Also, for all the female professionals please join our private women leaders Facebook group. Here is the link to the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenleadersinnercircle

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The Fabulous Four

Here are suggestions for the best present you can give yourself and to others:

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