The Empty Chair Is Trying to Tell You Something

Cathie Leimbach • August 18, 2026

An empty workstation gets your attention. What caused it should keep your attention. 


When attendance becomes a problem, the first response is often to review the policy, document the absence, or find someone to cover the shift. 


Those things may be necessary. But they don't tell you why the problem is happening. 


A conversation might. 


Instead of starting with “Why do you keep calling off?” try “I've noticed you've missed several days recently. What’s going on?” 


Then listen. 


You may hear about something outside of work. But you may also discover frustration with a supervisor, conflict with a coworker, unclear expectations, scheduling difficulties, or an employee who no longer feels valued. 


Understanding the reason doesn't mean ignoring attendance expectations. It means you know what you're actually dealing with. 

Also, look for patterns. Is absenteeism higher on one shift? In one department? Under one supervisor? Did it increase after a schedule or leadership change? 


Those patterns may tell you where another conversation needs to happen. 


Most importantly, don't wait until attendance becomes a disciplinary issue to start talking. 


Check in with employees. Ask what's making their work harder. Ask what they need from their supervisor. And when someone raises a concern or makes a suggestion,  be sure to tell them what action you are taking or why their idea won’t be implemented. 

The goal isn't to eliminate accountability. 


It's to address problems before accountability is the only conversation left. 


Conversation is Where Leadership Happens™ 


You Don't Need to Go It Alone. 


Bring your workplace people challenges to the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic on September 21. Gain insights from Cathie Leimbach and other attendees. 


Register here for the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic

Is Absenteeism a Pain in Your Pocket?

By Cathie Leimbach • August 10, 2026
Absenteeism is expensive. Every unexpected absence costs more than a day's wages. Someone else may need to work overtime. Priorities get reshuffled, service slows, projects fall behind, and customers notice. Before long, absenteeism starts taking money right out of your pocket. That's why many organizations turn to attendance policies, incentives, disciplinary action, or tighter oversight. But what if those approaches are addressing the symptom rather than what's really going on? Most people don't wake up one morning and suddenly decide they don't care about their work. Disengagement usually happens gradually. People stop sharing ideas. They stop feeling heard. They begin doing only what's required. Eventually, some stop showing up. By the time absenteeism is brought to your attention, the real issue may have been growing for weeks—or even months. If absenteeism has become a recurring challenge, don't just ask, "How do we reduce call-offs?" Instead, ask "What happened before people stopped wanting to show up?" That question may lead you somewhere an attendance report never will—and may ultimately save far more than overtime costs. Attendance problems. Accountability. Difficult conversations. Team conflict. Every leader faces workplace people challenges, and few have been taught exactly what to do when they arise.  Talking through your challenges with others can be helpful. Ask questions of your network. Get some ideas online. Sometimes another perspective is exactly what you need to see the situation differently. You Don't Need to Go It Alone. Bring your workplace people challenges to the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic on August 17. Gain insights from Cathie Leimbach and other attendees as you explore practical ways to handle the situations you're facing. Register here for the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic

People Give More When They Know Why Their Work Matters

By Cathie Leimbach • August 4, 2026
Most employees know what they are expected to do each day. Far fewer fully understand why their work matters or how it contributes to the organization's success. Yet that understanding is one of the most powerful drivers of engagement, commitment, and performance. Gallup research consistently shows that employees who feel connected to their organization's mission and purpose are significantly more engaged, while highly engaged teams achieve stronger productivity, profitability, customer satisfaction, and retention. When people understand how their individual responsibilities help customers, coworkers, and the organization succeed, their work becomes more than a list of tasks—it has meaning. Supervisors play the key role in creating that understanding. A job description explains what to do. Leadership conversations explain why it matters. They help employees see how quality, safety, customer service, teamwork, and continuous improvement all connect to the organization's goals. As work changes, priorities shift, or new challenges arise, supervisors who communicate openly help employees understand not only what is changing, but why those changes matter. Questions, discussion, and regular feedback replace assumptions with clarity and build trust. Employees who understand the purpose behind their work are more likely to make good decisions, solve problems, take initiative, and remain committed during difficult times. They also appreciate knowing that their organization is willing to invest in their future through learning and career development opportunities, even if promotion is not immediate. When supervisors consistently connect daily work to a larger purpose through meaningful conversations, employees gain direction, confidence, and motivation. They don't simply complete tasks—they understand the difference they make. And that understanding creates a workplace where engagement, performance, and retention naturally grow. Need Help with a Difficult Workplace Conversation? Great leadership doesn't happen by accident—it happens one conversation at a time. You Don't Need to Go It Alone. Bring your workplace people challenges to the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic on August 17. Gain insights from Cathie Leimbach and other attendees as you explore practical ways to handle the situations you're facing. Register here for the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic Conversation is where leadership happens.