Reaching Your Dreams by Focusing on Clear Goals

Cathie Leimbach • February 25, 2025

At just 19 years old, Manjit Minhas embarked on an ambitious journey to start her own wholesale liquor business. Her success didn’t happen overnight; it was the result of careful planning and determination. 


One of her key strategies was setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This method helped her clarify what she wanted to achieve and keep her focus sharp.


Daily reviews of her goals were also crucial. By regularly checking her progress, she could make adjustments and stay on track. Manjit understood that surrounding herself with experienced mentors made a huge difference. These mentors provided invaluable advice, sharing their insights and helping her navigate challenges she faced in the industry.


Additionally, creative negotiation played a vital role in her business dealings. Manjit learned to approach negotiations with flexibility and open-mindedness, allowing her to find win-win solutions that benefited both her and her partners. This combination of setting clear goals, seeking mentorship, and honing her negotiation skills not only set her apart from others but also laid the foundation for her successful business. 


Today, Manjit Minhas serves as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs everywhere, showing that hard work and smart strategies can lead to incredible achievements.

How Managers Drive 70% of Performance

By Cathie Leimbach • February 17, 2026
Most CEOs focus on strategy, systems, and talent. But the biggest driver of performance is already in place: managers. Manager behavior influences about 70% of team engagement and results. What happens in everyday conversations matters more than perks, pay, or policies. Managers either multiply energy or drain it. Clear, supportive managers raise performance. Avoiding, inconsistent managers quietly lower it. The good news? Small habits make a big difference: Clarifying expectations Giving timely feedback Addressing issues early Reinforcing priorities These moments add up. Instead of telling managers to “motivate people,” try asking: Where might expectations be unclear? Where is inconsistency allowed? What conversation is being avoided? When managers improve just a little, results improve a lot. 👉 Join our 60-minute Leadership Conversation to explore how everyday manager habits quietly shape engagement and results.

Why Engagement Isn’t About Perks

By Cathie Leimbach • February 10, 2026
When engagement drops, many organizations reach for perks—rewards, programs, or incentives. These can create a short lift, but they rarely solve the real issue. Engagement starts with expectations. Most people want to do good work. What gets in the way isn’t motivation—it’s uncertainty. When priorities shift, roles feel unclear, or success means different things to different leaders, people disengage quietly. Leaders often don’t realize they’re contributing to this. Vague direction, inconsistent follow-through, or assuming “they already know” leaves teams guessing. Over time, guessing turns into frustration—and frustration turns into disengagement. Strong engagement cultures focus on leadership basics: Clear priorities Shared definitions of success Aligned expectations Consistent reinforcement When expectations are clear, people move with confidence. They take ownership, collaborate better, and stay engaged because they know where they’re headed. Perks can support engagement—but only after clarity is in place. 👉 Read our full article on Why Engagement Starts With Expectations to turn clarity into a real advantage.