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?

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.
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