Stamp Out Bullying: Address Workplace Harassment Head-On!

Cathie Leimbach • July 30, 2024

Bullying is the act of asserting dominance by belittling or intimidating others. Rooted in the desire to appear superior, bullies often undermine their peers to bolster their own status. This behavior perpetuates a toxic environment, eroding morale and hindering collaboration within the workplace.

Addressing workplace bullying is paramount for fostering a healthy and productive environment. Shockingly, it's four times more prevalent than sexual harassment, yet its impacts are equally damaging. Victims of bullying often experience heightened stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to a decline in self-confidence and overall well-being.

Additionally, the repercussions extend beyond individuals, affecting workplace dynamics as a whole. Absenteeism rises and productivity plummets as employees struggle to cope with hostile environments.

By confronting bullying head-on, organizations can mitigate these detrimental effects and cultivate a culture of respect and support. Establishing clear policies, providing comprehensive training, and fostering open communication channels are essential steps towards creating a safe and inclusive workplace. Together, let's prioritize addressing workplace bullying to ensure every employee feels valued, respected, and able to thrive.

How Managers Drive 70% of Performance

By Cathie Leimbach • February 17, 2026
Most CEOs focus on strategy, systems, and talent. But the biggest driver of performance is already in place: managers. Manager behavior influences about 70% of team engagement and results. What happens in everyday conversations matters more than perks, pay, or policies. Managers either multiply energy or drain it. Clear, supportive managers raise performance. Avoiding, inconsistent managers quietly lower it. The good news? Small habits make a big difference: Clarifying expectations Giving timely feedback Addressing issues early Reinforcing priorities These moments add up. Instead of telling managers to “motivate people,” try asking: Where might expectations be unclear? Where is inconsistency allowed? What conversation is being avoided? When managers improve just a little, results improve a lot. 👉 Join our 60-minute Leadership Conversation to explore how everyday manager habits quietly shape engagement and results.

Why Engagement Isn’t About Perks

By Cathie Leimbach • February 10, 2026
When engagement drops, many organizations reach for perks—rewards, programs, or incentives. These can create a short lift, but they rarely solve the real issue. Engagement starts with expectations. Most people want to do good work. What gets in the way isn’t motivation—it’s uncertainty. When priorities shift, roles feel unclear, or success means different things to different leaders, people disengage quietly. Leaders often don’t realize they’re contributing to this. Vague direction, inconsistent follow-through, or assuming “they already know” leaves teams guessing. Over time, guessing turns into frustration—and frustration turns into disengagement. Strong engagement cultures focus on leadership basics: Clear priorities Shared definitions of success Aligned expectations Consistent reinforcement When expectations are clear, people move with confidence. They take ownership, collaborate better, and stay engaged because they know where they’re headed. Perks can support engagement—but only after clarity is in place. 👉 Read our full article on Why Engagement Starts With Expectations to turn clarity into a real advantage.