5 Ideas for Sharing Kindness

Cathie Leimbach • September 3, 2024

In today's fast-paced work environments, where deadlines loom and pressures mount, kindness can sometimes take a backseat. However, fostering a culture of kindness at work is not only beneficial for individuals' well-being but also for overall productivity and morale. Here are five simple ways to show kindness in the workplace:

1.     Check-In with Colleagues: Take the time to notice when a colleague seems down or overwhelmed. A simple check-in can make a world of difference and show that you care about their well-being.

2.     Be Understanding and Tolerant: When others make mistakes, respond with empathy and understanding. Instead of blaming or criticizing, offer support and help them learn from the experience.

3.     Invite Someone to Lunch or Coffee: Extend a friendly invitation to a coworker who may be feeling isolated or left out. A casual lunch or coffee break can provide an opportunity to build connections and strengthen relationships.

4.     Share Praise: When you notice a colleague's hard work or achievement, don't hesitate to share it with their boss or team. Recognizing others' contributions publicly not only boosts morale but also fosters a culture of appreciation.

5.     Ask for Others' Perspectives: Actively seek out the opinions and perspectives of your coworkers. Show that you value their input and consider their viewpoints in decision-making processes.



By incorporating these simple acts of kindness into our daily work routines, we can create a more supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Boost Your Focus with Cognitive Gears

By Cathie Leimbach • October 14, 2025
In his book, Regenerative Performance, author James Hewitt suggests thinking about your brainpower using the idea of cognitive gears. This simple idea can help you manage your energy and get more done without burning out. Just like a car, your mind has different gears: high, middle, and low. Learning to switch between them is key to working smarter. Understanding the Gears The high gear is for your toughest, most important work—the stuff that needs all your focus, like solving a hard problem or writing a detailed report. Use this gear when you have lots of energy and can block out all distractions. It's powerful, but you can’t stay in it for long; it drains your energy quickly.  The middle gear is your everyday speed. Think of it as "autopilot" for tasks that need less intense focus, such as checking emails, attending routine meetings, or working on familiar projects. You can stay in this gear for longer stretches, and it's where most of your day-to-day work happens. The low gear is for recovery and maintenance. This isn't about working at all! It's about taking breaks, moving your body, and doing activities that let your mind rest, like going for a walk or chatting with a co-worker. Using the low gear helps you recharge so you can shift back into middle or high gear when you need to. Drive Your Day Smarter The secret to regenerative performance is to be mindful of which gear you're in. Don’t try to do high-gear work all day. Schedule short, focused bursts in high gear, then shift to middle gear for less demanding tasks, and always make time for the low gear breaks. By consciously managing your cognitive gears, you'll improve your focus and keep your performance high without running out of gas. Want a quick visual reminder? Check out Cognitive Gears , summarizing these gears!

Better Leadership Starts with Belief

By Cathie Leimbach • October 7, 2025
Great leaders don’t just manage tasks—they build people up. Christine Caine’s leadership advice reminds us that believing in others is one of the most powerful things we can do. When leaders believe in people, they help unlock potential that might otherwise stay hidden. It’s not about perfection—it’s about possibility. Believing the best of others means choosing trust over suspicion. Instead of assuming someone will fail, assume they’ll rise. This mindset creates a culture of encouragement, not fear. People work harder when they know their leader sees their strengths and believes they can grow. Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about helping others shine. That starts with listening, showing respect, and giving people room to learn. Mistakes will happen—but leaders who believe in their team use those moments to teach, not tear down. Christine Caine’s approach is simple but powerful: speak life, not doubt. Expect excellence, but lead with grace. When leaders believe in people and believe the best of them, they build teams that are confident, creative, and committed. In the end, leadership is less about control and more about trust. And trust begins with belief in people. Want a quick visual summary? Check out Better Leadership Starts with Belief , for a clear, inspiring breakdown you can share with your team.