Don’t Get Trapped
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Discover how Star Trek’s Kobayashi Maru, a no-win training scenario, challenges us to reconsider dated decision trees and break the rules!
Star Trek’s Kobayashi Maru is a fictional training simulation known to be a no-win scenario. One Starfleet Academy cadet took the test three times before reprogramming the parameters and ultimately solving the unsolvable. We’ve all experienced the lose-lose dilemma. Sometimes, it is even of our own making, like an...
Unseen Forces
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
What do unprofessionalism and fluid dynamics have to do with 18 tugboats and a supermoon? One cargo ship, 6 days, and billions of dollars.
So, how did the Ever Given cargo ship go from the Suez Canal to a tourist attraction in The Netherlands? Well, it’s complicated! It all started with a 40 MPH wind, high-pressure decisions, poor communication, and fluid dynamics; it ended with 18 tugboats, one dredger, and a supermoon.1, 2 In 1869, the Suez Canal cut between...
Not as Planned
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
What happens when you plan to compete at the Olympics and your teammate is disqualified? Get insights from a professional volleyball player.
My husband and I travel to Mexico for volleyball vacations. The week-long event includes tournaments of many types and clinics taught by professional beach volleyball players. We also take excursions and share meals with the pro’s. On several occasions, we’ve enjoyed tacos and conversation with the 6’7” Jake...
Future Me has One Problem
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Unravel the tension between our current habits and our future interests by future proofing, addressing rebellion, and leveraging commitment.
Future Me is successful, inspiring, and joyful! Unfortunately, Future Me has one BIG problem-- Present Me! Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman explains the conflict between Future Me and Present Me in the Hidden Brain podcast, called You, But Better. Future Me wants a big savings account and an active lifestyle for a...
Death Zone Leadership
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
The Death Zone is 23,000+ feet, where oxygen cannot sustain human life. At that altitude, can you still be polite? Or, are you the “DUD”?
Chris Warner, mountaineer and co-author of High Altitude Leadership, has led over 150 summit expeditions. For Warner, a typical day at the office is near the Death Zone. It is called the death zone because, at 23,000+ feet above sea level, available oxygen in the air cannot sustain human life. It is not just the lack of...
Best Job EVER
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Which markers does Glassdoor use to rank the top 100 ‘Best Places to Work’ and what does a Starbucks Frappuccino have to do with it?
I have always imagined how much fun it would be to work at a coffee shop! I wouldn’t run the cash register; I would be a barista. I know, you probably have to refill the paper towels in the restrooms and take out the trash. But, wouldn’t it be fulfilling getting to know customers and their favorite drinks? I have...
Barriers to Change
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Hiatt’s book defining the ADKAR Model of individual change defines barrier points, explains accountability, and outlines sustainable change.
The only constant is change. Some people like change. When it comes to technology for instance, I’m an early adopter. When I see a new application or an upgrade, I press every button, explore every option, and test every feature. It’s exciting; it’s like discovering an underwater city. I wonder what I will...
Playing Your Hand
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
How does evolution of the four suits, the ace, the “suicide king” of hearts, and the joker inspire us to lead teams with pure intentions?
Every summer, we got to visit my cousins’ house where we were always treated to new magic tricks. My favorite tricks were the card tricks! Misdirection and sleight of hand serve the magician well, but it is certainly not recommended for the ethical card player. As leaders, we are all dealt a hand. We don’t get...
Second Chances
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Second chances aren’t easy to give and are even harder to take. The movie “Hoosiers” shows mercy AND expectation from different viewpoints.
After already being ejected twice from games earlier in the season, Coach Dale asks the referee to eject him from the game. The referee says, “Well, I guess you’ve got your reasons,” and throws him out of the game as the crowd erupts with anger. Coach Dale walks off the court barely concealing his...
It Remains Day 1
LEADER'S FIELD GUIDE
Jeff Bezos wrote a final letter to his employees, what were his parting words and how can his Day 1 Mindset inspire you toward your Amazon?
What do Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft have in common? They were incubated in a garage, ranked in the top 25 US companies for revenue according to the Fortune 500 (second, fourth, eleventh, and twenty-first, respectively), and rated as the world’s four most valuable brands.1, 2, 3 Visual Capitalist reports Amazon,...
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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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