Compassion Improves Trust

Cathie Leimbach • August 9, 2022

“People put faith in those who care beyond themselves,” says David Horsager. “And feeling cared for increases trust.”

Compassion can be defined as “concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others” or “a kind friendly presence in the face of what’s difficult”. Compassion is having patience and giving support to others who are experiencing tough circumstances or situations. 

How considerate and understanding are we when those around us aren’t perfect? When they hurt or disappoint us? When they experience a setback or difficulty in their life? We appreciate when others don’t add to our troubles when we are already down. How much grace do we show others when the tables are turned? 

Compassion enables us to understand ourselves better and others better, and the more we understand others the more we will want to relieve their suffering. Here are a few ways we can develop the ability to see things from someone else's perspective and offer them support.

  • Ask them open-ended questions to understand their challenges and how they are feeling? It can be as simple as, “You seem down today. How can I help you?”
  • Practice active listening. This includes listening to what they are telling you without interrupting, making eye contact, asking questions to increase your understanding, and repeating back to them what you think you heard to check if you are hearing their message.
  • Offer to help them, even in a small way. Take them a meal, drive them to an appointment, clean their house, or give their child a ride to soccer practice.

We appreciate others who don’t make our difficult circumstances more difficult. When others’ help us handle the trials of life, it builds our trust in them. What do we to show compassion to others, to help reduce or overcome their difficult circumstances? Practicing compassion is an important factor in being a person worthy of trust. 

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.