The Power of Curiosity

Cathie Leimbach • February 13, 2024

Curiosity is often dubbed the engine of intellectual growth. It is the key to many benefits that extend far beyond gaining more knowledge. It is a catalyst for personal and professional development, broadening one’s horizons, and strengthening relationships.


At its core, curiosity sharpens thinking skills. By questioning the status quo and seeking answers, individuals develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This drive to understand sparks innovative activity, enabling individuals to tackle challenges with ingenuity and resilience.


Also, curiosity is a gateway to knowledge. It propels individuals on a continuous journey of exploration and learning, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us. From uncovering new interests to mastering new skills, curiosity fuels intellectual growth and empowers individuals to adapt to an ever-changing landscape.


Beyond personal enrichment, curiosity also plays a pivotal role in nurturing meaningful relationships. Genuine curiosity about others fosters empathy, understanding, and connection. By actively listening, asking insightful questions, and showing genuine interest, individuals build rapport and forge stronger bonds with peers, colleagues, and loved ones.


In essence, curiosity isn’t merely a trait; it’s a way of life – an ongoing pursuit of understanding and growth. Embracing curiosity opens doors to new possibilities, enriches experiences, and cultivates a more vibrant and fulfilling existence. So, dare to ask questions, explore the unknown, and let curiosity guide you on a journey of discovery and transformation.



What are you curious about? How can you reach out to explore new possibilities in this area of interest?

Connectional Intelligence: The Power Skill Behind Big Results

By Cathie Leimbach • December 9, 2025
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.

Psychological Safety Isn’t About Smooth Sailing — It’s About Real Growth

By Cathie Leimbach • December 2, 2025
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 .