Why Great Leaders Are Worth Every Penny

Cathie Leimbach • July 8, 2025

Based on research by Boris Groysberg, Harvard Business School

When it comes to business success, leadership matters more than you might think. Harvard researcher Boris Groysberg studied top companies and found that leadership talent has a major impact on the bottom line. The best leaders don’t just manage teams—they drive profits, boost performance, and shape strong workplace cultures.


One approach that stands out is conversational leadership—leaders who listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and encourage open dialogue. Groysberg’s research shows that this kind of communication builds trust, keeps employees engaged, and leads to smarter, faster decision-making.


Companies that invest in leadership development—especially in communication skills—see better results across the board. Skilled leaders create high-performing teams and help people do their best work.


On the flip side, poor leadership can be expensive. It leads to high turnover, low morale, and missed business opportunities. Real life case studies show that the improvement in the annual bottom line can range from 4 to 20 times the cost of Conversational Management training.


The takeaway? Leadership isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a business strategy. Want better results? Start by building better leaders—and better conversations.

Why Leadership Skills Matter More Than Ever in 2026

By Cathie Leimbach • January 6, 2026
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Looking Ahead to a Fruitful 2026

By Cathie Leimbach • December 30, 2025
As the New Year approaches, it’s a natural time to look forward and ask what you want the next chapter to bring. One simple way to reflect to ask yourself three questions to create a stronger year ahead, what should you: Stop?, Continue?, and Start? Stop focusing energy on habits, meetings, or expectations that no longer serve you or your team. This might mean letting go of outdated processes, unnecessary urgency, or ways of working that drain momentum without adding value. Continue the practices that helped you gain traction this year. Think about what worked—perhaps clear communication, strong collaboration, consistent follow-through, or time spent developing people. These are the behaviors worth protecting and reinforcing. Start being intentional about what will move you forward in 2026. This could include setting clearer priorities, investing in leadership development, building healthier team rhythms, or creating space for innovation and growth. Taking time to reflect now helps you enter the New Year with purpose rather than pressure. Small, thoughtful shifts can create meaningful impact over time. Ready to turn reflection into action?  👉 View our Stop • Continue • Start Worksheet for a simple, practical way to reset priorities, build on what’s working, and step into 2026 with clarity and momentum.