Why Adaptability Matters

Cathie Leimbach • August 29, 2023

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, adaptability has become a key trait for success in the workplace. The ability to adjust and thrive in new and challenging environments is crucial for staying competitive and relevant.


Adaptability allows individuals to face unforeseen obstacles and effectively navigate through them. Whether it's a sudden shift in priorities or a change in technology, those who can quickly adapt are more likely to find solutions and remain productive.


Furthermore, adaptability fosters innovation and creativity. Openness to new ideas and approaches encourages individuals to think outside the box and find unique solutions to problems. This not only benefits the individual but also the entire organization, as it promotes growth and development.


Lastly, the importance of adaptability extends beyond personal and professional growth. Employers value adaptability as it ensures the overall success and resilience of their organization. Flexibility and adaptability are attractive qualities that enable businesses to stay agile and responsive to market demands.


In conclusion, adaptability in the workplace is crucial for personal, professional, and organizational success. By embracing change and being open to new challenges, individuals can thrive in today's dynamic work environment.


How are you adapting to meet the needs of the people in your organization?  Are you asking open-ended questions and really listening to their answers?  Are you checking that you heard them correctly?  Are you asking follow-up questions to understand their perspective more fully? 


If you aren't adapting your leadership practices to serve your employees needs, you are limiting their productivity.  To improve your ability to adapt, I encourage you to register for the SBDC sponsored Conversational Leadership course I will be leading in September.  Click here for more information.

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 .