TAG! You're It
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Making the call, asking a question, or speaking up... Do you thrive in a Learning Zone? Or suffer in the Apathy, Comfort, and Anxiety Zones?
“By the time we are in grade school, it is second nature,” says Amy Edmondson of our desire to be safe. So many things are at that age, even clinging to home base while playing Tag was routine. We chased classmates around at recess, converting competitors from the chased to the chaser, yelling “TAG! You’re...
Peaches & Coconuts
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Building relationships with “Coconuts” and “Peaches” can get hairy. Gain insights into earning trust and developing camaraderie on a team.
One of my fondest memories of a trip south of the equator, was drinking coconut water from a young green coconut right off the palm tree. There are a few ways to harvest that delicious water, and from what I can tell, all require sharp tools and staunch determination. As the coconut ages, the water becomes soft...
Perception is Everything
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
What can a group of thrill-seeking ski bums teach us about uncertainty? Identify your team’s risk attitude and the importance of perception.
I was skiing with a group of friends. It was not the coveted bluebird day characterized by bright blue sky, brilliant sun, and sharp shadows. On the contrary, the clouds were thick, and light was flat making it increasingly difficult to see inconsistencies in the white landscape especially as the day drew to a close. That...
Case of the $15,000 Pizza
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
How did 25 really smart people pay $15,000 for a pizza? By losing sight of corporate mission, values, and goals-- along with a few other things!
Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to observe a surprising interaction between a team of leaders. Each leader had invested heart, soul, and a lot of money into a wildly successful endeavor. With the group’s quarterly meeting approaching, each individual would recommit to the same mission, values, and...
Big Ben, Small Changes
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Big Ben’s 14-foot minute hands move with accuracy down to the penny, yes, to the penny! Learn how one penny can influence a 31,000-pound bell.
I have three battery-powered clocks. You know, the kind that must be manually reset every Spring and Fall? I can hear when a battery needs replaced because the secondhand sounds flat; it just doesn’t have enough power to make it past the nine on the clock face! I may complain about switching out rechargeable batteries,...
Situational Brainstorming
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
We all know how to brainstorm: lots of ideas, no judgment. Good leaders must address the nuances presented in various situations. Here are some tips!
What would you call matter synthesized from exact ratios of protein and small particle dispersion of emulsifiers? Well, spumoni ice cream, of course!1 Technically, these colorful layers of chocolate, pistachio, and cherry are milk sherbet, or sherbet combined with milk.2, 3 This delightful dessert traveled from...
The Next 100 Days
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Extreme arrogance, information bias, and poor communication caused Napoleon Bonaparte to meet his Waterloo. What can we learn from his mistakes?
Congratulations to those who are starting new jobs this month! We’ve been rooting for you and now-- the first 100 days. Actually, we all have the next 100 hundred days. Before we find out what you are doing with yours, a little history. The phrase first 100 days comes to us from the French by way of Napoleon Bonaparte. It...
WIIFM of Kindness
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
If you think of me as a nice person, then you’ve got to hear my origin story. You also need to know what you get back when you are kind to others.
What I am about to tell you may shock you! If you think of me as a nice person, then you could consider this my origin story. The first week of kindergarten, I let my classmates talk me into tipping Billy’s desk over-- with him in it! Oh, it pains me to share this and though my little mind knew Billy was...
2020Q4 REVIEW: Progress
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Let’s reflect on the Leader’s Field Guides from 2020Q4. As you focus on “progress”, how does patience and practice factor into learning and growth?
It’s time for a review! Reflect on 2020Q4 and consider what you’ve incorporated into your leadership and what needs more attention. Think about how each topic challenges you to reflect on your progress over the last three months. What role is practice and patience playing? How can you...
Learning Styles Myth
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
You may not be able to use machine-learning algorithms, but you can entertain and engage learners while appealing to a broad set of learning styles.
I’m learning to speak Spanish. I wanted to say, “I’m trying to learn Spanish.” But, I deserve more credit than that. I can say things like, “There is a bear in the swimming pool,” and “My cat never showers in the morning.” I’ve been asked why I am learning a new language...
A LEADERSHIP GYM?
Are you ready to live with authentic joy, lead with fierce confidence, and thrive in God’s promises?
STRENGTHEN FAITH, STRETCH POSSIBILITIES
Join other Christ-followers for upbeat discussion and challenging application of the Leader's Field Guide.
GET THE LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE DELIVERED!
Light-Hearted Wisdom for Serious Business
AUTHOR & COACH
Michelle Sugerman
Michelle Sugerman (PMP, PCC) is an author and leadership coach with Leading Synergies. She created Synergy Groups and TEAM Tenacity-- powerful online groups for Christian leaders seeking Community, Accountability, Transformation, and Leadership.
Michelle also partners with high-performers and heirs-apparent, especially in the STEM industries. Her formal background in technology, franchise, and project management gives her clients an edge for implementing best practices and scaling towards sustainable success.
Michelle lives in Colorado where she hikes fourteeners and enjoys gourmet meals with her loving husband and college sweetheart.
Recent Posts
