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.

Why New Tools Don’t Change Behavior

By Cathie Leimbach • January 27, 2026
New tools promise big results. New software, dashboards, and systems all look great on paper. But months later, many leaders are still asking, “Why hasn’t much changed?” Because tools don’t change behavior — leadership does. A system can organize work, but it can’t create ownership. It can’t set expectations. It can’t follow through. Without strong leadership habits, even the best tools just make problems more visible. What really drives results? Clear expectations Consistent follow-through Helpful feedback Leaders who model the right behavior When those are missing, people work around the tool instead of with it. Adoption drops. Frustration rises. And the old problems stay. So the better question isn’t, “What tool do we need next?” It’s, “Do our leadership habits support the results we expect?”  👉 Join our 60-minute Leadership Conversation to explore the habits that actually drive performance.

If Nothing Changes, What Will This Cost?

By Cathie Leimbach • January 20, 2026
When things feel “manageable,” leaders often continue with status quo. People are busy. Work gets done. But small issues quietly add up. Rework becomes normal. Deadlines stretch. Decisions take longer. None of it feels like a crisis, but together it eats away at time, energy, and profit. Inconsistent leadership makes it worse. When expectations change from day to day or from one manager to another, people stop giving their best. Some coast. Some get frustrated. Some start looking elsewhere. Turnover rises, along with hiring and training costs. The warning signs are usually right in front of us: Work keeps getting redone. Managers avoid tough conversations around poor performance. Good people are doing less than they could. Progress feels slower than it should. The real question isn’t, “Can we live with this?” It’s, “What is this costing us if nothing changes?” 👉 Join our 60-minute Leadership Conversation to explore how today’s patterns may be impacting your results — and what small shifts could make a big difference.