Leaders Build Alignment

Cathie Leimbach • October 21, 2020
building with blue sky above

 

"Leaders have three fundamental responsibilities: they craft a vision, they build alignment, and they champion execution."

Work of Leaders. Straw, Cullard, Kukkonen, & Davis.



How often do you refer to your organization's most recent strategic plan?  Do you have a clear understanding of the organization's priorities and direction?

 

  1. Are you clear on what your team is to do to support the organization's success?
  2. Have you clarified with your downline what is expected from them to fulfill the priorities in the strategic plan?
  3. Has your leader discussed what you are being held accountable to achieve?


A great vision may have been crafted, but the plan won’t be executed well unless everyone in the organization is on the same page. Leaders are responsible for:

  • communicating the vision,
  • discussing the why and the how of the vision
  • celebrating progress towards the vision along the way, and
  • ensuring realignment when the work train veers off the tracks.


Fulfilling the vision requires that leaders build and maintain alignment throughout the organization so its resources are applied to its goals. How well do you ensure your downline is aligned with the organization’s priorities so staff are focused on what the organization is paying them to do rather on their personal agendas?

 

#leadership #vision #success

Take a Moment for Joy

By Cathie Leimbach • December 23, 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence.  May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .

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.