Your Role in Strong Workplace Performance
Cathie Leimbach • August 20, 2020
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Good News! If you're tired of your employees not meeting your expectations, there is something you can do about it! You have the power to solve the four most likely reasons for disappointing workplace performance!
- Barrier #1 - Most employees (yes, the majority of employees), don't know WHAT they are expected to accomplish at work. Maybe you asked Bob to write a report on how the department is doing during Covid. But, did you tell him that the CFO asked for a report that explains why production has decreased and cost per product has increased? Did you tell Bob that the report requires a one-page executive summary, a table of last-year-to-date and this year-to-date production, cost of production, and staff attendance numbers, and up to three pages of explanation?
- Barrier #2 - The majority of employees don't know HOW to achieve the desired results. Bob may never have prepared a report for senior management so doesn't know there is a standard company format. He may not know where to find attendance or cost of production data.
- Barrier #3 - Bob may not know WHY this job needs done, WHY completing this task will make a difference? Will the report just sit in the CFO's inbox or will it be used to equip staff to enhance performance? People are more committed to doing work that has value.
- Barrier #4 - There may be OBSTACLES that prevent Bob from doing the job. He might not have access to the report-writing software. Those who have the required financial and attendance data may view this information to be their source of workplace power and not be willing to share it with Bob. You may have to ensure they provide the data.
If you aren't satisfied with the performance of your team members, the ball is in your court! When will you ensure they are clear about:
- WHAT they are expected to achieve each day?
- HOW to do the job effectively?
- WHY their work is important?
- How you will remove OBSTACLES
- that limit their success?
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 .
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.