Giving Tuesday Spurs Generosity

Cathie Leimbach • December 3, 2024

Now that the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Years holiday season is upon us, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the power of generosity. This year, many of us have been touched by organizations that step up to serve our communities. Whether it’s food banks, shelters, or mentorship programs, these groups remind us how impactful giving can be. Which organizations have made a difference in your life or your neighborhood this year? Maybe it’s a local nonprofit providing meals for families, or a group ensuring kids wake up to gifts on Christmas morning.


Think about the causes that resonate most with you. Is it fighting hunger, supporting education, or helping those experiencing homelessness? Whatever it is, there’s an opportunity to make a difference. If you’re looking for ways to give back, explore local organizations hosting holiday food drives or gift programs. Even a small act of kindness can create a ripple effect.



Generosity isn’t just about donations—it’s about showing others you care. Is there someone in your circle you could help with your time, resources, or even a kind word? This season let’s come together to uplift those around us. By sharing what we have, we can spread warmth, hope, and joy to many in our community.

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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