Paper and Presentation: Poor Leadership or Poor Following? A Case Study in Power, Perception, and Protocol
Abstract: In this provocative session, we explore a real-world case study where a part-time employee unknowingly challenges a senior leader’s sense of recognition—triggering retaliation and organizational fallout. Was this poor leadership, poor following, or deeper systems issues?
Through metaphor-rich framing, interactive reflection, and practical tools, participants will examine the invisible dynamics of power, protocol, and perception. This session invites leaders and followers alike to consider how ego, clarity, and culture shape our responses—and how we can lead and follow with greater integrity.
- Identify at least three leadership practices that prevent escalation and protect team cohesion.
- Diagnose where the failure in the case study sits on the continuum of leadership, followership, and systems design.
- Explore communication scripts to de-escalate public conflict and repair harm.
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen
Biography: Sandra (Sandy) Menzies, MS, PMI-PMP, ICF-PCC and -CMC at Menzies Coaching & Consulting
Sandy worked as a project manager in the biomedical field where she established quality systems, managed process improvement efforts, and provided engaging training sessions. This experience provided her with a foundation for being a Coach and Consultant.
Sandy’s decades-long interest in yoga and meditation led her to Transformational Coaching, helping others reach their full potential. She spent years gaining education and training, becoming certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a Certified Mentor Coach (CMC). Sandy also holds certifications as a Transformational Coach through the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) and Asperger’s/Autism Employment Coach. She believes people can make positive changes in their lives and organizations.
