Which Behaviors Cause Frustrations at Your Workplace?

Cathie Leimbach • September 9, 2025

Every workplace has its challenges. Some common behaviors create frustration for both leaders and team members. When these patterns show up, they can lower morale and productivity:


  • Showing up late for meetings or shifts
  • Calling in sick often
  • Missing deadlines or forgetting important details
  • Avoiding teamwork or refusing to help others
  • Complaining without offering possible solutions
  • Ignoring feedback or repeating the same mistakes



These behaviors can drain energy from the team. Yet, here’s the good news: people tend to show up differently when they feel valued and appreciated. When employees know their efforts matter, they’re more reliable, more engaged, and more willing to go the extra mile.


Creating a culture of appreciation isn’t complicated—it starts with small, intentional actions. Leaders who show genuine care for their employees as people see better teamwork, stronger morale, and improved results for the organization.


Want to learn how?   Join us for a 30-minute webinar on  Strengthening Your Culture - by Showing Appreciation in the Workplace on Monday, September 22, at 12:30 pm Eastern. You’ll leave with at least one simple action that will increase your employees’ willingness to contribute more at work.

How Managers Drive 70% of Performance

By Cathie Leimbach • February 17, 2026
Most CEOs focus on strategy, systems, and talent. But the biggest driver of performance is already in place: managers. Manager behavior influences about 70% of team engagement and results. What happens in everyday conversations matters more than perks, pay, or policies. Managers either multiply energy or drain it. Clear, supportive managers raise performance. Avoiding, inconsistent managers quietly lower it. The good news? Small habits make a big difference: Clarifying expectations Giving timely feedback Addressing issues early Reinforcing priorities These moments add up. Instead of telling managers to “motivate people,” try asking: Where might expectations be unclear? Where is inconsistency allowed? What conversation is being avoided? When managers improve just a little, results improve a lot. 👉 Join our 60-minute Leadership Conversation to explore how everyday manager habits quietly shape engagement and results.

Why Engagement Isn’t About Perks

By Cathie Leimbach • February 10, 2026
When engagement drops, many organizations reach for perks—rewards, programs, or incentives. These can create a short lift, but they rarely solve the real issue. Engagement starts with expectations. Most people want to do good work. What gets in the way isn’t motivation—it’s uncertainty. When priorities shift, roles feel unclear, or success means different things to different leaders, people disengage quietly. Leaders often don’t realize they’re contributing to this. Vague direction, inconsistent follow-through, or assuming “they already know” leaves teams guessing. Over time, guessing turns into frustration—and frustration turns into disengagement. Strong engagement cultures focus on leadership basics: Clear priorities Shared definitions of success Aligned expectations Consistent reinforcement When expectations are clear, people move with confidence. They take ownership, collaborate better, and stay engaged because they know where they’re headed. Perks can support engagement—but only after clarity is in place. 👉 Read our full article on Why Engagement Starts With Expectations to turn clarity into a real advantage.