Opening the Lines of Communication

Cathie Leimbach • September 3, 2020

This is a subtitle for your new post

Effective communication is transparent two-way communication. However, since our society tends to value accomplishing tasks efficiently more than strengthening interpersonal relationships, it is common for leaders to frequently tell their staff what they want done and assume the message was heard, was understood, and will spur the desired action.


Staff often 'hear' and feel' that they will appear stupid if they ask questions and incompetent if they share the problems they are having doing the task. They don't feel it is safe for them to speak up with uninvited comments.


A more effective leadership strategy is to ask a staff member questions to clarify their understanding and help them overcome barriers to success. Managers could ask experienced employees what their priorities are for the day or the week. If their response is in line with expectations, there is no need for the manager to restate what the employee already knows. The employee now feels trusted by their manager.


If the manager then asks what support they need to meet their goals, the door is open for the staff member to share that they are having blue screen problems or their broken webcam prevents them from video conferencing with customers.


Because the manager took time to ask questions, the employee feels more valued, is more willing to be open and honest with their manager, and the manager is aware of productivity-limiting realities that need to be addressed. This improved communication will lead to a stronger bottom line.


Do you spend more time 'telling' your staff or listening to their responses to your open-ended questions? If you 'tell' a lot, what could you do to encourage more two-way conversation?

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.