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 today’s evolving workplace, one constant remains: employees want to feel valued. Interestingly, research comparing data from before and after COVID-19 shows that employees' preferred languages of appreciation have remained remarkably consistent over time. However, age and gender differences reveal important nuances leaders shouldn’t ignore. Gender differences are clear. Men more frequently chose Acts of Service as their preferred form of appreciation (26%), while women gravitated toward Words of Affirmation (46%). When asked about their least preferred language, women were more likely to rank Acts of Service at the bottom, while men showed a strong dislike for Tangible Gifts. Age also matters. Employees over 60 overwhelmingly preferred Words of Affirmation (48%), while the youngest generation (under 20) leaned toward Quality Time (33%). These trends suggest that life stage and workplace experience shape what appreciation feels most meaningful. The takeaway? While core preferences haven't shifted dramatically post-COVID, effective leaders need to understand and respond to individual differences. Avoid blanket strategies and invest in knowing how each team member feels most valued. Personalized appreciation builds stronger teams—across every generation and gender. For further details, see Dr. Paul White’s article on gender differences in appreciation preference.
Let’s talk straight—leadership development isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s the engine behind real economic progress. John Kotter, a world-renowned voice in leadership and change, made it clear: organizations don’t rise or fall on products alone—they succeed because of how well they lead through change. When leaders know how to cast vision, inspire action, and adapt quickly, the ripple effect is huge. Teams become more engaged. Strategy gets implemented faster. Resistance turns into momentum. And yes—revenue and results improve. Kotter’s work shows that companies with strong leadership navigate uncertainty better and capture more market share during tough times. Why? Because effective leaders create clarity in the chaos. They don’t just manage—they lead change with purpose. If we want to strengthen our teams, our organizations, and even our communities, we have to prioritize leadership development. Not later—now. Because when leadership improves, so does everything else. That’s not just theory. That’s proven strategy. Click here to view the document: Better Leader = Better Bottom Lines and see why investing in leadership pays off. Let’s build leaders who build better futures.