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Supporting Employees for Excellence

Cathie Leimbach • Mar 07, 2023

There is a lot of concern today about the state of the workplace. Most of the conversation I hear focuses on employee shortfalls such as limited skills and effort, turnover, low morale, and mediocre productivity. Yet, studies show that employees only control 30% of the factors that impact workplace engagement and, therefore, the bottom line. Let’s talk about the people leaders who control the other 70% of factors that impact workplace engagement which in turn impacts most current concerns about the workforce.

Workplace excellence requires employees to have strong competence in the work they are doing and high commitment to the organization, its leadership, and their job.  Leaders can make or break the employees’ commitment and have a responsibility for placing employees in roles that match their competence or providing training to develop the necessary skills. 

Only about 10% of people leaders give adequate attention to developing and maintaining employee commitment. Stephen M.R. Covey calls their style of leadership ‘trust and inspire’. They lead in a way that builds trust with and among employees and inspires employees to do their best.

Covey and Gallup call the other 90% ‘command and control’ leaders. They tell their employees what to do but seldom interact in a way that considers, engages, or empowers them.  They don’t get their employees best.

Trust and inspire leaders engender high commitment and provide support to develop high competence in their employees. By paying attention to both factors that impact employee success, their organizations have lower turnover, higher morale, and a stronger bottom line.

How can you move from any command and control tendencies you may have to become a strong trust and inspire leadership?  Conversational Management training equips leaders with the mindset and the skills to develop a trust and inspire leadership culture.  You can learn about this transformational program by contacting Cathie Leimbach at cathie@agonleadership.com.

The Power of Two: Why One-on-One Collaboration Wins Every Time

By Cathie Leimbach • 13 May, 2024
In our fast-paced world, collaboration is key. But have you considered the power of one-on-one collaboration? Ditch the crowded conference rooms and lengthy email threads. Diving deep with just one other person can unlock a treasure trove of benefits, strengthening both personal and professional relationships. Here's why one-on-one collaboration is a secret weapon: · Building Trust: Sharing ideas, concerns, and even vulnerabilities in a safe, confidential space is the cornerstone of trust. One-on-one sessions foster this by creating a platform for genuine connection and a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives. · Effective Communication: Imagine a focused conversation, free from distractions. One-on-one settings allow for clear and direct communication. This leads to better alignment on goals, expectations, and tasks, ensuring everyone is on the same page. · Personalized Support: We all learn and grow differently. One-on-one collaboration allows for tailored support and feedback. Understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses paves the way for personalized guidance, maximizing individual potential. · Problem-Solving Innovation: Brainstorming with just one other person can spark a firestorm of creativity. The sense of truly being heard in one-on-one sessions encourages out-of-the-box thinking and risk-taking, leading to innovative solutions that might get lost in a larger group setting. · Enhanced Accountability: Working closely with someone fosters a sense of mutual responsibility. Each person feels invested in the success of the partnership, leading to greater motivation, commitment, and a shared sense of accomplishment.  So next time you're looking to build stronger bonds, improve communication, or spark innovation, consider the power of one-on-one collaboration. It might just be the key to unlocking hidden potential and achieving great things, together.

The Power of Collaboration: Building Success Together

By Cathie Leimbach • 06 May, 2024
In today’s dynamic work world, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of success. Defined as the synergy of individuals pooling their strengths and ideas towards a common goal, collaboration fosters innovation, productivity, and workplace harmony. Here’s why it matters: Increasing Productivity : studies, like those from Stanford, revealed that collaborative efforts can boost productivity by a staggering 50%. Combatting Workplace Failures : according to 86% of executives, the lack of collaboration stands as a primary cause of workplace failures; underlining its critical role in organizational success. Decreasing Turnover : Gallup research highlights that fostering a collaborative environment can reduce turnover rates by an impressive 50%, showcasing its impact on employee satisfaction and retention.  Collaboration isn’t just about working side-by-side; it’s about harnessing diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to achieve goals collectively. In essence, collaboration isn’t just a means to an end this—it’s the essence of progress and prosperity in today’s interconnected world.
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