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?

The Empty Chair Is Trying to Tell You Something

By Cathie Leimbach • August 18, 2026
An empty workstation gets your attention. What caused it should keep your attention. When attendance becomes a problem, the first response is often to review the policy, document the absence, or find someone to cover the shift. Those things may be necessary. But they don't tell you why the problem is happening. A conversation might. Instead of starting with “Why do you keep calling off?” try “I've noticed you've missed several days recently. What’s going on?” Then listen. You may hear about something outside of work. But you may also discover frustration with a supervisor, conflict with a coworker, unclear expectations, scheduling difficulties, or an employee who no longer feels valued. Understanding the reason doesn't mean ignoring attendance expectations. It means you know what you're actually dealing with. Also, look for patterns. Is absenteeism higher on one shift? In one department? Under one supervisor? Did it increase after a schedule or leadership change? Those patterns may tell you where another conversation needs to happen. Most importantly, don't wait until attendance becomes a disciplinary issue to start talking. Check in with employees. Ask what's making their work harder. Ask what they need from their supervisor. And when someone raises a concern or makes a suggestion, be sure to tell them what action you are taking or why their idea won’t be implemented. The goal isn't to eliminate accountability. It's to address problems before accountability is the only conversation left. Conversation is Where Leadership Happens™ You Don't Need to Go It Alone. Bring your workplace people challenges to the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic on September 21. Gain insights from Cathie Leimbach and other attendees. Register here for the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic 

Is Absenteeism a Pain in Your Pocket?

By Cathie Leimbach • August 10, 2026
Absenteeism is expensive. Every unexpected absence costs more than a day's wages. Someone else may need to work overtime. Priorities get reshuffled, service slows, projects fall behind, and customers notice. Before long, absenteeism starts taking money right out of your pocket. That's why many organizations turn to attendance policies, incentives, disciplinary action, or tighter oversight. But what if those approaches are addressing the symptom rather than what's really going on? Most people don't wake up one morning and suddenly decide they don't care about their work. Disengagement usually happens gradually. People stop sharing ideas. They stop feeling heard. They begin doing only what's required. Eventually, some stop showing up. By the time absenteeism is brought to your attention, the real issue may have been growing for weeks—or even months. If absenteeism has become a recurring challenge, don't just ask, "How do we reduce call-offs?" Instead, ask "What happened before people stopped wanting to show up?" That question may lead you somewhere an attendance report never will—and may ultimately save far more than overtime costs. Attendance problems. Accountability. Difficult conversations. Team conflict. Every leader faces workplace people challenges, and few have been taught exactly what to do when they arise.  Talking through your challenges with others can be helpful. Ask questions of your network. Get some ideas online. Sometimes another perspective is exactly what you need to see the situation differently. You Don't Need to Go It Alone. Bring your workplace people challenges to the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic on August 17. Gain insights from Cathie Leimbach and other attendees as you explore practical ways to handle the situations you're facing. Register here for the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic