Scoring to Lose
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Rarely does an opponent insist on giving points to the other team. What does an ill-timed goal tell us about instincts, clock management, and losing?
Have you ever seen football players signal a touchdown for the other team? Or teammates console the player that accidentally broke the plane, earning his team six points and a chance for a seventh? It’s extremely rare, if not unheard of… Well, until Todd Gurley, running back of the Atlanta Falcons, scored the...
Take a Chance Card
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
What was the game of Monopoly intended to teach us and what can great leaders learn about taking risk, managing fear, and revealing personal edge?
Remember the orange cards in the game Monopoly? I was pretty excited about drawing a Chance card, unless I had less than $200. Here’s why: 12 out of the 16 cards are actually beneficial, if you count the “Go Back 3 Spaces” card—which might give you a chance to buy that third of three Title Deeds....
Chestnut Do Over
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
I dug into the tiny white paper bag and tasted my first chestnut. How do expectations and repurposing play into our much-needed Do Overs?
One of our family traditions is going to New York to see a musical the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. As you know, I love New York and I have a crazy pair of pants with the I NY logo printed all over them to prove it! During one visit to the city, I insisted on getting a bag of roasted chestnuts. They...
2020Q3 REVIEW: Identity
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Let’s reflect on the Leader’s Field Guides from 2020Q3. As you focus on "identity", how can you develop more clarity and intentional expression?
It’s time for a review! Reflect on 2020Q3 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 professional and personal identity. Are those identities different? How can you enhance your leadership...
Identity Crisis
LEADER’S FIELD GUIDE
Our identities can become enmeshed with our jobs. How does your job performance, business card, and work past contribute to your Professional Identity?
I had an Identity Crisis. Yes, there was a time when I couldn’t wait for people to ask me, “What do you do?” I would almost hyperventilate as I magnified my brilliant impact or bragged about my stellar accomplishments. I was my job. If you wanted to know me, you had to know my job. I like the...
Red Flag Alert
LEADER’S FIELD GUIDE
Red flags forewarn of prickly leaders focused on short-term advantage, single-factor decisions, and self-preservation causing eroding support.
Just like sea urchins, people can seem warm and fuzzy, until you get too close. Let me explain… Beachgoers are familiar with the meaning of Beach Warning Flags. Green flags mean conditions are calm and it is safe to swim. Yellow flags signal caution, and a red flag implies high hazard. If you see two red...
2020Q2 REVIEW: Change
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Let’s reflect on the Leader’s Field Guides from 2020Q2. As you focus on "change", what habits would help you develop more acceptance and adaptability?
It’s time for a review! Reflect on 2020Q2 and consider what you’ve incorporated into your leadership and what needs more attention. Think about how each topic challenges you to reflect on the change you, your teams, and your family members are experiencing. How can you enhance your...
Using a Different “Yes”
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Ever feel a twinge in your gut in response to a request? Maybe it's time for a different "Yes"! Find out what "Nice Girls Don’t Get…" author suggests.
The customer is always right, right? Well, “Yes, and…” We’ve all been pressed at the last minute to move up a deadline or expand the scope of an effort, usually without additional payment or time. We want to be accommodating and perceived as cooperative, but that can come at...
Taskage™: Addressing the Difficult
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
When a project drags on, it may be too complex! What should leaders reassess, renegotiate, and reestablish to bring difficult efforts to a close?
Are you afraid you might be looking at the same mission critical projects next quarter? Trying to figure out why you or your team can’t get essential efforts accomplished? I wondered too, and coined the term Taskage™ to describe the negative associations professionals have with significant unfinished...
Pick Your Triangle
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
We play roles on a stage called "Workplace". What's your starring role? Are you enabling? Empowering? Pick a Triangle and start practicing your lines!
I love a good science-fiction movie! I would choose that or a thrilling mystery over a drama. And though we may not agree on the best film genre, we probably could agree that mystery and drama belong on the Silver Screen rather than in the workplace. I’m sure you’ve either observed or been caught up in the...
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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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