Posts by Suzi McAlpine
Icarus: 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…
Read MoreThis week, I’ll finish writing a book. This is what I’ve learned
This week, I will finish writing my book manuscript and send it off to the publishers. This is something I’ve wanted to say since I was 24. I remember one sunny morning, decades ago, sitting with my Dad in his living room over coffee. It was the first time I’d dared to speak out loud…
Read MoreBeware this decision-making flaw
There’s a pesky little decision-making flaw that we all fall prey to. This insidious decision villain seems to ramp up big-time during any election season, and we’re seeing it run amok now, so this week’s blog is a timely reminder for us all. Since this is a leadership blog, I’m going to focus on how…
Read MoreA practical exercise to build a collective vision for your team
Building a high performing, cohesive team is one of your most imperative responsibilities as a leader. Sounds obvious huh? But too often, it’s something we leave to chance, instead of being purposeful and committed to proactively creating one. Building a high performing and cohesive team requires intentional practice – and perhaps more importantly, persistence. A…
Read MoreWhy you should uncover your implicit biases (And yes, you do have them)
I have a friend who’s an eye surgeon. He received the top prize for Ophthalmology and Surgery – you know, one of those all-round overachievers who annoys the heck out of you by being a thoroughly nice bloke too. He’s Samoan. He regularly gets mistaken for an orderly in the hospital corridors. Despite him being…
Read MorePutting the spotlight on workplace wellbeing + your help with a survey
Understanding and supporting mental wellbeing is increasingly a priority for organisations – and with good reason. It has a profound effect on our workplaces – not only for employees, but also for overall organisational performance. But for leaders and organisations to make any substantial impact in this area, we need to go beyond simply paying…
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