Quiet Quitting is a Manager Problem

April 16, 2024

Earning the respect of your employees

In today’s work world, many employees are quietly losing enthusiasm for their jobs. This isn’t just a problem for the employees. It’s a big issue for their bosses too. Studies show that a whopping 80% of workers are happy with their tasks but are unhappy with their managers. This mismatch is causing serious problems like lower productivity, fewer repeat customers, and less money for the company.


Employees are yearning for managers who are approachable and open to feedback. They want leaders who create an atmosphere where they feel comfortable expressing their opinions without the fear of facing negative consequences. For instance, instead of feeling hesitant to share ideas or concerns, employees desire an environment where their voices are heard and valued. Moreover, fairness in treatment is crucial; workers want managers who treat everyone on the team equally, without playing favorites or showing bias. When managers embody these qualities, employees feel more empowered, respected, and motivated to contribute positively to the workplace.


To fix this situation, companies need to focus on training managers to be better leaders. They need to learn how to build trust, treat employees with respect, and keep communication open. By doing this, leaders can reverse the trend of workers losing interest and create a happier, more successful workplace for everyone.



If your organization would like to overcome some of these manager concerns, register to attend a Test Drive for Conversational Management™, a skills development program that equips leaders to create a trusting, respectful workplace.   

Wrapping Up Your Year – Celebrate Your Wins

By Cathie Leimbach • December 16, 2025
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending?  👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.

Connectional Intelligence: The Power Skill Behind Big Results

By Cathie Leimbach • December 9, 2025
In Erica Dhawan’s book, Get Big Things Done, she defines Connectional Intelligence as the ability to combine knowledge, networks, and relationships to drive meaningful results. In today’s busy workplace, it’s not just what you know—it’s how well you connect that turns good ideas into big outcomes. Strong Connectional Intelligence within a team strengthens workplace morale and productivity by impacting four key attributes of high-performance cultures: Value Visibly – People perform better when they know their contributions matter. Leaders who highlight strengths, acknowledge effort, and celebrate progress create a culture where great work becomes contagious. Communicate Carefully – In an age of nonstop messages, clarity is a competitive advantage. Thoughtful communication reduces confusion, prevents conflict, and ensures that everyone moves forward with shared understanding. Collaborate Confidently – Connectional Intelligence flourishes when people feel empowered to contribute. Confident collaboration means inviting diverse perspectives, leveraging individual superpowers, and creating space for smart problem-solving. Trust Totally – Trust is the anchor of all high-performing teams. When leaders show reliability, transparency, and empathy, people take risks, share ideas, and stay aligned toward common goals. Connectional Intelligence helps teams innovate faster, break down silos, and accomplish what truly matters. Want to learn more? Visit Erica Dhawan’s website to explore her full body of work and deepen your understanding of Connectional Intelligence.