Leaving Industrial Age Leadership Behind

Cathie Leimbach • March 19, 2024

Leading with Collaboration, Trust, and Inspiration

In the 21st century, effective leadership is not about issuing commands but rather fostering collaboration, growth, and authenticity within an organization. This approach emphasizes holistic impact and shared success among stakeholders.


At its core, effective leadership today revolves around encouraging collaboration. Leaders recognize that diverse perspectives drive innovation and problem solving. By creating an environment where every voice is heard and valued, leaders harness the collective intelligence of their teams, leading to more robust solutions and outcomes.


Also, nurturing employees’ development goes beyond just honing their existing skills. It involves cultivating new mindsets, knowledge, and skills that are essential for adapting to an ever-changing world. Leaders who prioritize continuous learning empower their teams to thrive in dynamic environments and embrace change as an opportunity for growth.


Authentic leadership is crucial in the 21st-century workplace. Leaders who bring their whole selves to work foster trust, transparency, and inclusivity. By embracing vulnerability and displaying authenticity leaders inspire loyalty and commitment among their teams, creating a culture where individuals feel empowered to do their best work.



Effective leadership in the 21st-century is characterized by a commitment to collaboration, continuous learning, and authenticity. By adopting these approaches, leaders can cultivate environments where all stakeholders thrive, driving innovation and sustainable success.

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.