Why Your Company's Success Depends on This One Thing (Hint: It's Not What You Think)

Cathie Leimbach • August 19, 2025

What separates thriving companies from struggling ones? 🤔


Professor Lynda Gratton from London Business School spent decades studying this exact question. Her findings will change how you think about leadership.


Here's what she discovered:



Organizations that invest in developing collaborative leaders consistently outperform their competitors. Not by a little—by a lot.


Through her groundbreaking study of 21 global companies and 200+ executives, Gratton identified the three game-changing elements:

✅ Cooperative culture -  Moving from "me vs. you" to "we together"

✅ Rich networks -  Breaking down silos so ideas flow freely
✅ Shared purpose -  Giving work meaning beyond the paycheck


The results speak for themselves:  → Better innovation → Higher employee engagement
→ Stronger financial performance


Companies that train managers to be collaborative leaders (not just bosses) create environments where teams actually want to work together.


My takeaway?

Leadership development isn't a "nice to have"—it's your competitive advantage.


When leaders learn to cooperate and inspire others, entire organizations transform.


What's your experience with collaborative leadership? Have you seen this play out in your organization?

 

Want to dive deeper?

View Three Pillars of Success which breaks down how to produce measurable results in innovation, efficiency, and engagement.

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.