The Impact of Leaders with Hope for the Future

Cathie Leimbach • June 12, 2023

Only 1 in 10 leaders communicate hope for the future

In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of work, leaders who inspire hope in their employees possess a remarkable ability to drive engagement and foster success. Gallup, renowned for its extensive research on workplace dynamics, highlights the profound impact of hopeful leaders on organizational outcomes.

A hopeful leader embodies optimism, instilling confidence, and trust within their teams. Their positive outlook and belief in a better future empower employees, creating a shared vision and sense of purpose. Gallup's studies consistently reveal that employees who work under hopeful leaders exhibit higher levels of engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction.

Hopeful leaders foster a supportive work environment where employees feel valued, challenged, and motivated. By communicating openly, listening attentively, and providing constructive feedback, they cultivate a culture of growth and development. Gallup research also highlights the critical role of hope in fostering resilience during challenging times, enabling employees to overcome obstacles and persevere.

In conclusion, leaders who embody hope have a profound impact on employee engagement, well-being, and performance. By fostering a positive workplace culture and inspiring their teams to believe in a brighter future, these leaders create a path towards success, driving organizational growth and transformation.

Age and Gender Shape How Employees Want to Be Appreciated

By Cathie Leimbach • June 10, 2025
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.

Why Better Leaders Mean Better Bottom Lines

By Cathie Leimbach • June 3, 2025
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.
More Posts