Supervisor Leadership User Group | Jim Borgeld Testimonial

Jim Borgeld, Maintenance Coordinator at Progressive Surface

"When my Operations Manager recommended SLUG training, the goal was to help me transition some of my military leadership experience into a more collaborative and emotionally intelligent leadership style, better suited for a corporate environment.

One of the main challenges I faced early on was communication. I was used to speaking in a very direct, matter-of-fact way, what I saw as clear and concise. At first, I didn’t realize that this approach might come across as harsh or even aggressive to people with different backgrounds. It rarely came from a place of anger, but I’ve come to understand that how something is received can matter just as much as how it’s intended.

Each SLUG session gave me something valuable to take away. I’ve developed a better appreciation for different perspectives, and I’ve learned how emotional intelligence plays a critical role in leadership. Time management was another area of growth - setting aside blocks of time to focus on individual tasks has helped me become more productive and intentional, instead of trying to juggle everything at once.

One of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve had is embracing the idea that asking “why” is not only acceptable but often necessary. I’ve also started paying more attention to what’s not being said. Listening more carefully for the underlying concerns people may have.

Todd’s personality, perspective, and the dynamic environment he creates, surrounded by other leaders, helped me realize that most leadership challenges are not unique. There are always multiple ways to approach a situation, and learning from others is key. It also made me realize I needed to step back at times, stop being the “go-to” person, and give my team more ownership and accountability.

This course hasn’t just impacted my professional life, it’s also provided tools I can use in my personal life. I’m very interested in exploring additional classes that can help me continue to grow both personally and professionally.

I would absolutely recommend this class to anyone who is serious about becoming a better leader and growing as a person. The sessions are engaging, practical, and insightful. As with anything, you get out of it what you put in, but it’s clear that Todd and his team have spent years honing their craft. If you didn’t learn something, you probably weren’t paying attention."

To register for the Fall 2025 cohort, click here.

Questions about SLUG? Email thecenter@rightplace.org.