The Quadruple Bottom Line

Cathie Leimbach • January 18, 2022

In Ken Blanchard’s book, Leading at a Higher Level, he says that “In high performing organizations, everyone’s energy is focused on … four bottom lines – being the:

  • Employer of choice
  • Provider of choice
  • Investment of choice
  • Corporate citizen of choice.”


The Ken Blanchard Companies’ research reveals that the most important leadership function is “creating a motivating environment for your people”. This is the cornerstone of being the employer of choice. When employees work in a motivating environment, they are engaged at work; they pay attention to the quantity and quality of their work and provide great customer service.

 

When customers rate their satisfaction with customer service at 9 or 10, they will purchase 7 times as much from the company as when customer service is rated at 8 or lower. When customers are raving fans, the company becomes their provider of choice.


The strong revenue from raving fans yields strong profits. Investors want to be shareholders. Lenders offer favorable terms on loans to help the company grow or upgrade its facilities and equipment. The company becomes an investment of choice.


The financial health of the company increases its sustainability. It can operate with the long-term view in mind and it can be generous to the community. Healthy companies have the resources to make choices in favor of long-term environmental health and to support local non-profits and community development. They become a highly respected corporate citizen.  


And respected corporate citizens attract motivated employees, who serve customers well, yielding higher profit, and strengthening the organization’s presence in the community. The cycle continues.


How are your leaders creating a motivating environment to develop and retain engaged, productive employees who are essential to  the organization’s short-term and long-term success? What are you doing to equip your leaders to build a win/win/win/win reality in your organization? 

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.