Lost in a Crowd
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Surrounded by dogs, mountain bikers, and hikers, we…got…lost! Find out how a misguided hike reminds leaders about best practices and U-turns.
The weather was perfect; my husband and I planned an entire day of possibilities. We ventured off our beaten path with the expectation of discovery. We wanted to do something new, different, unexplored. As it is for most journeys, the beaten path was wide and well-traveled. Helpful signs were clear and well-placed. The further we g...
Superhero Moxie
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Superheroes have a costume, special ability, and moral code. But, they are nothing without moxie. What if leaders “tried on” more moxie?
As a leadership coach, I challenge my clients to try on different words, like tenacity and commitment, giving them a new perspective. I’m adding another word to my list: moxie. What would it be like to wear moxie? Superheroes know! Superheroes don energy, determination, and know-how-- the classic definition of moxie. They have other not...
Tires Don't Stay Buried
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Do you know why buried tires float to the surface? Discover what keeps old tires, unresolved conflict, and unfinished tasks from resurfacing.
My mom and I were talking the other day, and she concluded her story by saying, “You know, because tires don’t stay buried.” What?! No, I didn’t know that. At this very moment I own 8 tires, actually 12 if you count the two spares and my bike. So, clearly, I don’t have a problem with tires. In fact, I still marvel that we sent peop...
2021Q1 REVIEW: Strategy
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Let’s reflect on the Leader’s Field Guides from 2021Q1. As you focus on “strategy”, how does forecasting play into your intentional design?
It’s time for a review! Reflect on 2021Q1 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 strategy over the last three months. What role is planning and forecasting playing? How can you enhance your influence through intentional des...
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 it!” Home base, usually 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 coconut meat. This is t...
Extinguishing Burnout
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Grilling with charcoal briquets gives leaders insight into burnout. Learn to prevent flareups and control the heat during stressful seasons.
Four men went glamping, or glamorous camping, with a convoy of six vehicles including chauffeurs and a chef. During that luxury excursion, one man helped a second secure the raw material needed for building automobiles. The second man required about 100 board feet of wood for the “frame, running board, dashboard, and wheel spokes” f...
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 didn’t sto...
Getting to Inbox Zero
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Tips and tricks for email management are countless and tend to be a bit polarizing, right? Get the 6 Ds and find out what Inbox Zero really means.
I went on vacation a few years ago and no one noticed! After a season of too much business travel, I started designing my work to be done from anywhere. As a function of that commitment, I created a great deal of flexibility in my business. Yet, no matter where I am, I notice the emails just keep coming. On that particular vac...
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 business goals they fol...
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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.
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