The Impact of Leaders Who Communicate Stability
Cathie Leimbach • June 13, 2023
Employees are 8 times more likely to be engaged if they feel the company is financially secure.
When leaders effectively communicate stability, it has a profound impact on employees within an organization. Stability provides a sense of security and assurance, fostering a positive work environment and enabling individuals to thrive. Here are a few key ways in which such communication impacts employees:
- Reduced anxiety: Uncertainty breeds anxiety, which can hinder employee productivity and engagement. When leaders communicate stability, whether it's related to the company's financial position, long-term goals, or changes within the organization, employees feel more at ease. They gain confidence in their job security and can focus on their work with a clear mind.
- Increased trust: Leaders who demonstrate stability through their communication build trust among their employees. By providing consistent and transparent messages, leaders show their commitment to openness and reliability. This fosters an environment of trust and encourages employees to believe in the leadership's vision and decisions.
- Enhanced motivation: Stability in communication helps employees see a clear path forward. When leaders articulate the company's objectives, strategies, and plans, employees understand their role in achieving those goals. This clarity provides a sense of purpose and motivates individuals to contribute their best efforts towards the organization's success.
- Improved retention: Employees seek stability in their careers. When leaders effectively communicate stability, it reassures employees that the organization is reliable and invested in their well-being. This creates a sense of loyalty and reduces the likelihood of turnover, as employees are more likely to stay with a company that offers stability and security.
- Better decision-making: Stability in communication allows employees to make informed decisions. When leaders provide consistent updates on the organization's progress and share relevant information, employees are empowered to make choices that align with the company's direction. This autonomy and clarity facilitate efficient decision-making and promote a culture of accountability.
In conclusion, leaders who prioritize stability in their communication positively influence employees. By reducing anxiety, building trust, enhancing motivation, improving retention, and enabling better decision-making, stable communication sets the stage for a thriving and engaged workforce, as well as a more profitable and productive organization.
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.
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.