Posts by Suzi McAlpine
Simplify: How can you take stuff OUT instead of putting stuff IN?
Editor: I like your book except for the ending. Author: What’s wrong with the ending? Editor: It should be closer to the beginning When I wrote my new book, Beyond Burnout, the editing process taught me that taking words out was far more powerful than putting them in. The best sentences were the short ones.…
Read MoreAn interview with Michael Lee Stallard, global expert on the power of connection – and why it’s fundamental for your leadership practice
When you meet a globally renowned expert on connection and leadership and find that you connect immediately… Well, I reckon that’s a great start! That’s how I felt when I met Michael Lee Stallard last week over Zoom. He practices what he preaches. Our conversation was full of warmth, connection, humour and passion about the…
Read MoreJust a week until you can discover how to go Beyond Burnout
Drum roll please… Next week, on 9 February, my book Beyond Burnout: How to Spot it, Stop It and Stamp it Out is being released into all good bookstores. If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know it’s been an epic journey to write and publish this book. And while it’s rewarding to…
Read More21 leadership habits to cultivate in 2021
I love a good New Year’s resolution; I make them all the time. The trouble is that they often don’t work. We start off with great intentions but, for most of us, by mid-February (if even that long!), we’re tanking. Research shows us that the trick is to focus on positive habits which help you…
Read MoreWhat ‘Humans of New York’ can teach us about leadership (PLUS book GIVEAWAY)
Leadership inspiration can come from all sorts of unusual places. An example? There’s a photographer called Brandon Stanton who has ironically been one of my biggest leadership inspirations in 2020. If you haven’t discovered HONY (and you’re missing out if you haven’t), here’s a quick snapshot of what Humans of New York is all about…
Read MoreIcarus: A cautionary tale for the overambitious
When it came to fables and useful myths to demonstrate a point, the Greeks had it going on. The story of Icarus is no exception. In this Greek myth, Icarus follows his father in fleeing the city of Crete. His father cobbles together wings for them both made out of wax and feathers – as…
Read MoreFive common decision-making mistakes and how to avoid them
Teams tend to make decisions in one of three ways. All three approaches have their place and their strengths. However, trouble arises when we fall prey to overusing one of them. Or when we automatically apply a decision-making style without much thought as to what’s needed for that situation – a kind of ‘knee jerk’…
Read MoreHow to support those new to leadership roles
In the past month, I’ve come across at least five situations where emerging or first-time leaders are coming unstuck in their people leadership role. Usually, I hear this from their boss (or even their boss’s boss). Sometimes, it’s when it reaches HR. But the theme of the problem – and the cause – is almost…
Read MoreThe ‘L’ word and why it’s central to your leadership success
I’ve been told on more than one occasion that I use the word ‘love’ a lot. It peppers my conversation like chili in a Mexican fajita. Some people even say I mention ‘love’ way too much – certainly in a professional setting. Sorry, not sorry. Love has a monumental role to play in leadership. HBR’s Duncan Coombe and I…
Read MoreThe 51% Rule: A useful tool for ongoing conflict
Dealing with conflict is part and parcel of being a leader. And conflict in a team is a healthy thing, provided it’s focused around the right things and handled in the right way. After all, differing opinions and divergent thinking promote team performance. Without conflict, you’re likely to fall prey to groupthink, repress innovation, and discourage…
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