The Manager Effect: How Good Leadership Drives Business Success

Cathie Leimbach • September 16, 2025

Your manager might be the key to your company's bottom line. Gallup's extensive research shows that quality managers don't just make employees happier—they directly boost financial results.


The Numbers Don't Lie

Gallup studied thousands of business units and found striking patterns. Teams with engaged managers see 23% higher profitability compared to those with disengaged leaders. The research also reveals that companies in the top quartile for employee engagement achieve 10% higher customer ratings and 18% higher productivity.


What Makes the Difference?

Great managers create a ripple effect throughout their teams:

·        Boost employee engagement - Engaged workers are 31% more productive and have 37% better sales performance

·        Reduce turnover costs - Good managers cut voluntary turnover by up to 40%

·        Improve customer satisfaction - Teams with strong leadership see 12% better customer metrics

·        Drive innovation - Engaged employees are 3x more likely to contribute new ideas


The research is clear: investing in manager development isn't just good for morale—it's essential for financial success. Companies that prioritize manager training see measurable improvements in revenue, profit margins, and overall business performance. Check out our visual breakdown to see all the numbers in action.


Ready to transform your bottom line? Schedule a 15-minute meeting with Cathie Leimbach to share your hopes and explore how Agon Leadership might be able to assist you in upskilling your managers so they are equipped to help today's employees excel.

Looking Ahead to a Fruitful 2026

By Cathie Leimbach • December 30, 2025
As the New Year approaches, it’s a natural time to look forward and ask what you want the next chapter to bring. One simple way to reflect to ask yourself three questions to create a stronger year ahead, what should you: Stop?, Continue?, and Start? Stop focusing energy on habits, meetings, or expectations that no longer serve you or your team. This might mean letting go of outdated processes, unnecessary urgency, or ways of working that drain momentum without adding value. Continue the practices that helped you gain traction this year. Think about what worked—perhaps clear communication, strong collaboration, consistent follow-through, or time spent developing people. These are the behaviors worth protecting and reinforcing. Start being intentional about what will move you forward in 2026. This could include setting clearer priorities, investing in leadership development, building healthier team rhythms, or creating space for innovation and growth. Taking time to reflect now helps you enter the New Year with purpose rather than pressure. Small, thoughtful shifts can create meaningful impact over time. Ready to turn reflection into action?  👉 View our Stop • Continue • Start Worksheet for a simple, practical way to reset priorities, build on what’s working, and step into 2026 with clarity and momentum.

Take a Moment for Joy

By Cathie Leimbach • December 23, 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence.  May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .