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Clarity of Vision, Goals, and Boundaries

Cathie Leimbach • Apr 23, 2024

A crystal-clear vision, coupled with well-defined goals and boundaries, forms the cornerstone of a thriving workplace. A compelling vision acts as a guiding light, inspiring employees and aligning their efforts toward a common purpose.

However, without specific goals, this vision risks being irrelevant words. By setting three or four key goals, leaders can direct focus onto the vital 20% of tasks that yield 80% of desired outcomes. When goals are communicated clearly, ensuring that all team members fully understand expectations, having a clear vision and goals fosters efficiency and prevents wasted effort on non-essential activities.  


However, as Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges point out in their book, Lead Like Jesus, leaders often conclude that “they have been “perfectly clear” in their initial instructions about what they want, and then they hold their listeners accountable for perfect comprehension and perfect retention.” In reality, being a leader who helps employees and the organization succeed  requires two-way conversations to check for understanding and frequent repetition of the goals to keep everyone focused on priorities.


Additionally, establishing clear boundaries provides employees with a framework within which to operate, empowering them to make decisions confidently and autonomously. These boundaries serve as guardrails, ensuring that actions remain aligned with organizational objectives while allowing room for creativity and innovation.


Blanchard and Hodges explain that “Boundaries channel energy in a certain direction. It’s like a river. If you take away the banks, it wouldn’t be a river anymore; it would be a large puddle, devoid of momentum and direction. What keeps the river flowing are its banks.”



Together, clarity of vision, goals, and boundaries creates a roadmap for success, guiding both individual and collective efforts towards organizational success. Leaders have the responsibility to ensure that vision, goals, and boundaries are established, frequently communicated, and fully understood and followed by all team members. 

The Power of Two: Why One-on-One Collaboration Wins Every Time

By Cathie Leimbach • 13 May, 2024
In our fast-paced world, collaboration is key. But have you considered the power of one-on-one collaboration? Ditch the crowded conference rooms and lengthy email threads. Diving deep with just one other person can unlock a treasure trove of benefits, strengthening both personal and professional relationships. Here's why one-on-one collaboration is a secret weapon: · Building Trust: Sharing ideas, concerns, and even vulnerabilities in a safe, confidential space is the cornerstone of trust. One-on-one sessions foster this by creating a platform for genuine connection and a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives. · Effective Communication: Imagine a focused conversation, free from distractions. One-on-one settings allow for clear and direct communication. This leads to better alignment on goals, expectations, and tasks, ensuring everyone is on the same page. · Personalized Support: We all learn and grow differently. One-on-one collaboration allows for tailored support and feedback. Understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses paves the way for personalized guidance, maximizing individual potential. · Problem-Solving Innovation: Brainstorming with just one other person can spark a firestorm of creativity. The sense of truly being heard in one-on-one sessions encourages out-of-the-box thinking and risk-taking, leading to innovative solutions that might get lost in a larger group setting. · Enhanced Accountability: Working closely with someone fosters a sense of mutual responsibility. Each person feels invested in the success of the partnership, leading to greater motivation, commitment, and a shared sense of accomplishment.  So next time you're looking to build stronger bonds, improve communication, or spark innovation, consider the power of one-on-one collaboration. It might just be the key to unlocking hidden potential and achieving great things, together.

The Power of Collaboration: Building Success Together

By Cathie Leimbach • 06 May, 2024
In today’s dynamic work world, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of success. Defined as the synergy of individuals pooling their strengths and ideas towards a common goal, collaboration fosters innovation, productivity, and workplace harmony. Here’s why it matters: Increasing Productivity : studies, like those from Stanford, revealed that collaborative efforts can boost productivity by a staggering 50%. Combatting Workplace Failures : according to 86% of executives, the lack of collaboration stands as a primary cause of workplace failures; underlining its critical role in organizational success. Decreasing Turnover : Gallup research highlights that fostering a collaborative environment can reduce turnover rates by an impressive 50%, showcasing its impact on employee satisfaction and retention.  Collaboration isn’t just about working side-by-side; it’s about harnessing diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to achieve goals collectively. In essence, collaboration isn’t just a means to an end this—it’s the essence of progress and prosperity in today’s interconnected world.
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