Setting and Achieving Clear Goals

Cathie Leimbach • October 21, 2023

Setting clear goals is a foundational skill for effective leadership and personal growth. To harness this skill, leaders should focus on three essential elements: specificity, communication, and perseverance.


Firstly, specificity is key. Ambiguous goals like "improve performance" lack the clarity needed for successful execution. Instead, leaders should define objectives with precision, such as "increase quarterly sales by 15%." Specific goals provide a roadmap for action and empower teams to channel their efforts effectively.


Secondly, communication is the bridge between vision and execution. Leaders must articulate their expectations clearly, providing context and rationale. This enables teams to align their efforts with the overarching goal and fosters a sense of purpose.


Lastly, perseverance is the secret ingredient. Achieving significant results often involves facing challenges and setbacks. Leaders must remain patient and persistent, continuously monitoring progress and adapting as necessary.



In conclusion, clear goals, communicated effectively and pursued with determination, are the cornerstones of success in leadership and personal development. By mastering these elements, leaders can inspire their teams to achieve remarkable results.

Communication Gaps

By Cathie Leimbach • February 24, 2026
Most communication problems don’t happen because people aren’t listening. They happen because leaders assume clarity instead of checking for it. “I think they get it” isn’t the same as “they really do.” When people don’t clearly understand what’s expected of them, they make their own assumptions to fill in the gaps. That’s when rework, missed deadlines, and frustration show up. Strong leaders ask better questions: What do you see as the top priority? What does success look like to you? What could get in the way? These don’t slow work down — they prevent costly resets later. Try a simple weekly habit: Think about one key conversation. What did I mean? What did they hear? Where was the gap? Small awareness leads to big gains. 👉 You’re invited to a Leadership Conversation with other leaders to discuss common leadership gaps and how they quietly influence results.

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.