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.
In Erica Dhawan’s book, Get Big Things Done, she defines Connectional Intelligence as the ability to combine knowledge, networks, and relationships to drive meaningful results. In today’s busy workplace, it’s not just what you know—it’s how well you connect that turns good ideas into big outcomes. Strong Connectional Intelligence within a team strengthens workplace morale and productivity by impacting four key attributes of high-performance cultures: Value Visibly – People perform better when they know their contributions matter. Leaders who highlight strengths, acknowledge effort, and celebrate progress create a culture where great work becomes contagious. Communicate Carefully – In an age of nonstop messages, clarity is a competitive advantage. Thoughtful communication reduces confusion, prevents conflict, and ensures that everyone moves forward with shared understanding. Collaborate Confidently – Connectional Intelligence flourishes when people feel empowered to contribute. Confident collaboration means inviting diverse perspectives, leveraging individual superpowers, and creating space for smart problem-solving. Trust Totally – Trust is the anchor of all high-performing teams. When leaders show reliability, transparency, and empathy, people take risks, share ideas, and stay aligned toward common goals. Connectional Intelligence helps teams innovate faster, break down silos, and accomplish what truly matters. Want to learn more? Visit Erica Dhawan’s website to explore her full body of work and deepen your understanding of Connectional Intelligence.
When people hear “psychological safety,” they often imagine a workplace where everything feels easy and conflict-free. But that’s not what true psychological safety is — and it’s not what high-performing teams need. As leadership expert R. Michael Anderson points out, work and life include tough days, unexpected problems, and moments that stretch us. A psychologically safe workplace doesn’t remove those realities. Instead, it gives people the confidence and support to face them. A safe workplace is one where employees can struggle without fear of embarrassment… try new skills without being put down… ask questions, make mistakes, and keep moving forward. It’s a place where people know their leader is behind them — not by preventing discomfort, but by helping them learn through it. Psychological safety isn’t about coddling or creating a predictable bubble. Real safety looks like this: · You may hear difficult feedback, but it helps you grow. · You are encouraged to take risks, and supported when you slip. · You are stretched beyond your comfort zone, and guided along the way. When leaders create this balance — support plus stretch — people build resilience, confidence, and higher performance. To explore more of these ideas, visit R. Michael Anderson's website .