Articles
Dive into a collection of white papers and articles curated by Dulcie Swanston…from nurturing emerging talent to refining established leadership skills.
Whether you’re navigating the complexities of senior management or fostering the growth of early-career professionals, explore invaluable insights to elevate your team’s performance and drive organizational success.
When you’re delegated a task using the DELEGATE model, delegation becomes more than just handing over work—it becomes clear, supportive, and empowering. In this guest blog, 17-year-old work experience student Belle Burgess shares how leadership expert Dulcie Swanston used her own DELEGATE model to guide a real project. The result? A first-hand look at how effective delegation can build confidence, creativity, and results.
Looking for better coaching questions? From tackling imposter syndrome to unlocking fresh thinking, these tried-and-tested prompts help you coach others—and yourself—more effectively.
I delayed recording my audiobook, telling myself I was “too busy.” The truth? I was afraid. Leadership growth often starts here—facing resistance, leaning into discomfort, and discovering the breakthrough on the other side.
Years of research reveal the secret to effective performance isn’t complicated—just three simple manager habits: clear goals, timely feedback, and strengths-based work.
Imposter thinking—aka “it”—isn’t a hidden truth; it’s just your brain conserving energy while you grow. Explore the five flavours of “it” and learn how to name it, laugh at it, and move past it with neuroscience-based insights.
Tears in coaching or leadership aren’t a sign of weakness—they’re a signal that something important is surfacing. Discover how embracing emotion can deepen trust, create psychological safety, and lead to meaningful change.
Adam Grant’s daily calendar is a small but powerful tool. In this post, I share a standout quote on authenticity, the science behind daily reflections & how tiny nudges can shape resilience, focus & how we show up.
Ever wondered why your best ideas strike in the shower or on a walk? Discover the science behind the Default Mode Network and how to harness it for creative breakthroughs – in coaching, work, and everyday life.
Learn how to reframe challenges as creative opportunities in leadership and coaching. Embrace imperfections to foster innovation and resilience.
Discover how two little words—Get and Feel—can transform your training sessions and meetings. Grounded in neuroscience and psychology, this simple technique boosts focus, engagement, and emotional clarity, helping participants leave with clear takeaways and a stronger sense of purpose.
Contracting isn’t about paperwork—it’s the foundation of trust, clarity and productivity in coaching, mentoring, and leadership. Discover how to do it well.
Ever walked into a difficult conversation fully prepared, only to have it go completely off track? The Three Seats is a simple, science-backed tool to help you shift perspective, lower the heat, and move towards understanding—without making things worse.
We’ve all been there—you receive feedback, smile politely, and say you’ll reflect... but nothing actually changes. Not because you’re unwilling, but because feedback can trigger overthinking, self-doubt, and inaction. In this post, discover the 5 S’s: a practical, people-first framework to help you turn feedback into real progress—without the mental spiral.
Tired of resilience being treated like a magic trait you either have or don’t? THRIVE breaks it down—six no-nonsense steps to help you build lasting resilience, boost your mojo, and bounce back without burning out. It’s not bloody rocket science. But it is science—and it works.
Imposter syndrome isn’t a sign of failure—it’s proof that you’re growing. Discover the neuroscience behind imposter thinking and how to reframe it as a sign of success. Learn practical strategies to manage self-doubt, shift your mindset, and embrace new opportunities with confidence.
Struggling with distractions and overthinking? The Sphere of Influence is a simple yet powerful tool to help you refocus your energy where it truly matters. By categorising your concerns into three key areas—Control, Influence, and Concern—you can stop wasting mental effort on things beyond your reach and channel it into what truly makes a differenc
Have you ever sent someone on a leadership development programme, a team-building workshop, or even recommended a great book—only to find that a few weeks later, nothing has changed?
Have you ever been part of a team where tasks overlap, decisions drag on, or roles are unclear? It’s exhausting, frustrating, and a huge drain on time and energy. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
This article dives into why forming habits takes time, the science behind sticking with them, and practical tips to help you stay on track. Plus, explore a free activity designed to help you reach the magic 66-day milestone and learn how Tea Break Training uses creative tools like postcards to make learning and new habits stick.
Ever left a training course excited, only to find nothing’s changed months later? The 70:20:10 model helps learning stick by combining real-life practice, feedback, and formal training. Discover three steps to turn good intentions into lasting results.
Ever found yourself spiralling into overthinking? Join me as I recount my zero-to-dance-floor journey, battling self-doubt and catastrophising thoughts.
Do we learn more from success or failure? Science offers conflicting answers: one study highlights the 15% failure sweet spot for optimal learning, while another shows we persist better with success. Instead of picking a side, what if we embraced both truths? By navigating the grey area, we unlock deeper growth and creativity.
Failure can be a powerful growth tool—when balanced. Research suggests a 15% failure rate is just right: challenging but not overwhelming. Think of it like baking bread; with the right amount of yeast, it rises perfectly. This “15% rule” builds resilience, improves problem-solving, and encourages a growth mindset.
This week's edition of NIAN is all about the best way to increase your IQ by up to 15 points in only a few seconds using one simple hack.
When gloomy days roll in, it's tempting to hit snooze and skip the morning routine. But science shows that sticking to those healthy habits—like getting some sunlight, even on rainy days—can make a world of difference to your mood and motivation. Learn how small, intentional actions can shift your mindset and keep those unhealthy cravings at bay.
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