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Is the ROI of Remote and Hybrid Work Options Worth the Effort?

Cathie Leimbach • Jan 30, 2024

Studies show that many hybrid and remote workers are more engaged with their work and are happier with their life than when they worked at company facilities. Yet, the need to support hybrid and remote workers with intentional strategies for communication, collaboration, and relationship building and the challenges in setting effective policies around work location are contributing to increased stress at work.


52% of employees report experiencing ‘a lot of stress at work yesterday’. Since this leads to poor wellbeing, productivity, and longevity, it is important that we address significant workplace stressors. However, work location is not the most critical stressor.  

Let’s remember that one of the common reasons for employees quitting or choosing to work remotely is to get away from a bad boss. Gallup’s research indicates that ‘how employees are managed has about four times as much influence on employee engagement and wellbeing as their work location’.   


Today, there is a downward trend in employees’ sense of connection with their organization’s mission and purpose. When employees don’t have faith in their leaders, they lose faith in the organization’s potential to offer them a future. Only 23% of U.S. employees strongly agree that they trust the leadership in their workplace. Yet, when leaders communicate clearly, lead and support change, and inspire confidence in the future, 95% of employees report fully trusting their leaders.

It is pretty clear that gaining employees’ trust by leading effectively is a much bigger concern than work location! Yet, few organizations invest in training people leaders in effective people management practices. Why are many sweeping this elephant under the carpet? 

·       Perhaps the hard task of changing one’s leadership approach is too daunting.

·       Maybe the challenge of measuring the benefits of investing in soft skill training doesn’t meet their return-on-investment criteria.

·       It could be that they don’t know what practices are effective, so they don’t know where to start with training.


Although it isn’t well known yet, there is very good news in the leadership development arena. There is a solution to these dilemmas! The developers of a program called Conversational Management digested a lot of credible research on management practices. They studied the intersection of these research findings and developed a very impactful, interactive training program which guides leaders in becoming effective people managers. At least one company has documented a 20-fold return on its training investment.

And they offer an easy try-before-you-buy opportunity! To learn more, participate in the first module of Conversational Management by registering for the next Zoom Test Drive. I look forward to seeing you there!

The Power of Two: Why One-on-One Collaboration Wins Every Time

By Cathie Leimbach • 13 May, 2024
In our fast-paced world, collaboration is key. But have you considered the power of one-on-one collaboration? Ditch the crowded conference rooms and lengthy email threads. Diving deep with just one other person can unlock a treasure trove of benefits, strengthening both personal and professional relationships. Here's why one-on-one collaboration is a secret weapon: · Building Trust: Sharing ideas, concerns, and even vulnerabilities in a safe, confidential space is the cornerstone of trust. One-on-one sessions foster this by creating a platform for genuine connection and a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives. · Effective Communication: Imagine a focused conversation, free from distractions. One-on-one settings allow for clear and direct communication. This leads to better alignment on goals, expectations, and tasks, ensuring everyone is on the same page. · Personalized Support: We all learn and grow differently. One-on-one collaboration allows for tailored support and feedback. Understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses paves the way for personalized guidance, maximizing individual potential. · Problem-Solving Innovation: Brainstorming with just one other person can spark a firestorm of creativity. The sense of truly being heard in one-on-one sessions encourages out-of-the-box thinking and risk-taking, leading to innovative solutions that might get lost in a larger group setting. · Enhanced Accountability: Working closely with someone fosters a sense of mutual responsibility. Each person feels invested in the success of the partnership, leading to greater motivation, commitment, and a shared sense of accomplishment.  So next time you're looking to build stronger bonds, improve communication, or spark innovation, consider the power of one-on-one collaboration. It might just be the key to unlocking hidden potential and achieving great things, together.

The Power of Collaboration: Building Success Together

By Cathie Leimbach • 06 May, 2024
In today’s dynamic work world, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of success. Defined as the synergy of individuals pooling their strengths and ideas towards a common goal, collaboration fosters innovation, productivity, and workplace harmony. Here’s why it matters: Increasing Productivity : studies, like those from Stanford, revealed that collaborative efforts can boost productivity by a staggering 50%. Combatting Workplace Failures : according to 86% of executives, the lack of collaboration stands as a primary cause of workplace failures; underlining its critical role in organizational success. Decreasing Turnover : Gallup research highlights that fostering a collaborative environment can reduce turnover rates by an impressive 50%, showcasing its impact on employee satisfaction and retention.  Collaboration isn’t just about working side-by-side; it’s about harnessing diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to achieve goals collectively. In essence, collaboration isn’t just a means to an end this—it’s the essence of progress and prosperity in today’s interconnected world.
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