Poor Communication Yields Poor Team Results

Cathie Leimbach • June 10, 2020

Celeste Headlee, a communications expert and media personality, believes that a leader is only as strong as the team around them. She believes that leaders need to communicate effectively with their team members to position the individuals and the team for success.

Headlee shares that the time a person spends in face-to-face communication with another human being is directly correlated to their lifespan. She points out that true conversation involves listening to what another person has to say and responding to their comments. Synergy, when two heads are better than one, is the result of people taking the time to understand each other’s perspective and finding the aspects of someone else’s thinking that enrich their knowledge. For us to effectively work with other people we have to have empathy for others, believing that everyone has ideas that can add value to a team’s work.

Not taking time to listen deeply and ask questions so we understand where others are coming from results in miscommunication. And miscommunication among team members is the number one reason for project failure. Research shows that the primary cause of miscommunication is email and texting. These electronic verbal messages do not send body language and tone of voice cues to improve understanding. Neither do they permit emotional connection. They are effective for facts, lists, discussion summaries, and praise but they aren’t good methods for trouble-shooting and collaborative decision making.

Leaders of effective teams take time for face-to-face conversations realizing that the results of quality dialogue yield a high return on the time invested. What is one thing you will do to increase the conversations in your life which will improve understanding and team results?

#communication #celesteheadlee

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.

How Remote Work Decreases Life Satisfaction

By Cathie Leimbach • May 27, 2025
In today's global workplace, the rise of remote work presents a paradox: while fully remote employees often report higher work engagement, they are less likely to thrive in their overall lives compared to their hybrid or on-site peers. According to Gallup's latest findings, 31% of fully remote workers feel engaged at work, surpassing hybrid and on-site counterparts. This higher engagement stems from the autonomy remote work offers, allowing individuals to leverage their strengths and achieve a productive flow. However, the flip side reveals a stark reality: remote workers also experience higher levels of distress, including feelings of anger, sadness, and loneliness. Despite their engagement at work, they struggle with the emotional toll of isolation and the absence of social interactions that on-site and hybrid work environments naturally provide.  These insights underscore the importance of balancing engagement with overall wellbeing. While autonomy boosts engagement, it can also lead to stress without proper boundaries. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering a workforce that is not only engaged but also thriving in both work and life. By prioritizing social connections and providing support for mental wellbeing, organizations can create a remote work environment where employees feel both productive and fulfilled.
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