Embrace Rest This Christmas Season

Cathie Leimbach • December 24, 2024

As the holiday season wraps around us like a warm blanket, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of to-do lists, year-end projects, and festive preparations. But this time of year also serves as a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and embrace rest.


Rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. It rejuvenates the body, clears the mind, and refreshes the spirit. Leading yourself well begins with taking the time to recharge. So, whether that’s enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, curling up with a good book, or taking a brisk walk in the crisp winter air, make space for moments of stillness this week.


The holiday season is about more than bustling activity. It’s a time to savor the peace and joy that come from slowing down and being present with loved ones. As you reflect on the year behind and dream about the year ahead, may your heart be filled with gratitude and hope.



May this Christmas season bring you and your family peace, joy, and abundant blessings. Take time to rest, and let the spirit of the season renew and uplift you. 

Age and Gender Shape How Employees Want to Be Appreciated

By Cathie Leimbach • June 10, 2025
In today’s evolving workplace, one constant remains: employees want to feel valued. Interestingly, research comparing data from before and after COVID-19 shows that employees' preferred languages of appreciation have remained remarkably consistent over time. However, age and gender differences reveal important nuances leaders shouldn’t ignore. Gender differences are clear. Men more frequently chose Acts of Service as their preferred form of appreciation (26%), while women gravitated toward Words of Affirmation (46%). When asked about their least preferred language, women were more likely to rank Acts of Service at the bottom, while men showed a strong dislike for Tangible Gifts. Age also matters. Employees over 60 overwhelmingly preferred Words of Affirmation (48%), while the youngest generation (under 20) leaned toward Quality Time (33%). These trends suggest that life stage and workplace experience shape what appreciation feels most meaningful.  The takeaway? While core preferences haven't shifted dramatically post-COVID, effective leaders need to understand and respond to individual differences. Avoid blanket strategies and invest in knowing how each team member feels most valued. Personalized appreciation builds stronger teams—across every generation and gender. For further details, see Dr. Paul White’s article on gender differences in appreciation preference.

Why Better Leaders Mean Better Bottom Lines

By Cathie Leimbach • June 3, 2025
Let’s talk straight—leadership development isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s the engine behind real economic progress. John Kotter, a world-renowned voice in leadership and change, made it clear: organizations don’t rise or fall on products alone—they succeed because of how well they lead through change. When leaders know how to cast vision, inspire action, and adapt quickly, the ripple effect is huge. Teams become more engaged. Strategy gets implemented faster. Resistance turns into momentum. And yes—revenue and results improve.  Kotter’s work shows that companies with strong leadership navigate uncertainty better and capture more market share during tough times. Why? Because effective leaders create clarity in the chaos. They don’t just manage—they lead change with purpose. If we want to strengthen our teams, our organizations, and even our communities, we have to prioritize leadership development. Not later—now. Because when leadership improves, so does everything else. That’s not just theory. That’s proven strategy. Click here to view the document: Better Leader = Better Bottom Lines and see why investing in leadership pays off. Let’s build leaders who build better futures.
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