Attracting & Keeping Motivated Team Members

Cathie Leimbach • August 27, 2020

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If you prefer to have a 50% staff turnover every year rather then attracting and retaining quality team members, this article isn't for you! If you are interested in developing and keeping value-adding team members, read on!


We know that life will never again be like it was six months ago, but we aren't sure what the future will bring. However, we do know some factors that will be key to future success.


People are most engaged and productive when their personal values intersect with the values of their workplace. Therefore, organizations whose culture is aligned with the desired values of the workforce are the most likely to come out of our current disruption profitably.


Barrett Values Centre recently conducted a study on workplace values, gaining insight on future expectations. Barrett asked employees of all ages, and at all levels of many organizations, to indicate the values they experienced at work before Covid, are seeing during Covid, and would like to regularly encounter after Covid.


Which of the preferences uncovered by the survey would help your organization have a bright future?


  • We have all adapted to unexpected realities this year. Many people now have a mindset that Adaptability is a highly valuable attribute. In the survey, all levels of employees (C-Suite/Executives, Managers, and Staff) indicate that the value that they most want in the new normal work world is adaptability. All ages of employees (Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z) agree.
  • Are you as a leader ready to adapt to the realities of the majority of your employees? Are you ready to establish workplace practices that they value personally so they are more enthusiastic and productive at work and become experts in serving your customers' needs and wants?
  • Employee Engagement and/or Teamwork are desired at all levels of the organization and by all age groups except Baby Boomers. Living these values requires that employees appreciate and trust each other and enjoy their work. However only 17% of employees feel appreciated at work, and low levels of transparency, vulnerability, and trust have been the norm in many organizations.
  • Are you as a leader ready to prioritize healthy interpersonal relationships in your organization? Are you prepared to allocate time and resources for everyone to develop stronger soft skills? Most companies who are developing staff in these areas are experiencing a higher return on such investments than from technical skill training.
  • Open Communication is desired by the C-Suite/Executives and by Staff. Both Millennials and Generation Z value it. However, it isn't seen as important by Managers, Baby Boomers, and Generation X.
  • Many mid-level managers are Baby Boomers or Generation X. They may be responsible for hiring, onboarding, training and development, quality output, and performance reviews. Yet, most managers don't excel in these tasks. Open communication is essential for success in these areas. Are you as a leader ready to ensure your organization equips everyone who manages other employees with the skills to excel?


The majority of the workforce is expressing a desire to work for organizations where the values of Adaptability, Employee Engagement, Teamwork, and Open Communication are experienced every day. When employees' personal values are aligned with their workplace values, the organizations have stronger bottom lines.


Are you ready to invest in equipping your managers to lead your staff towards a win/win workplace experience? Or, would you rather put up with turnover, mediocre productivity, and ho-hum bottom line results?

Wrapping Up Your Year – Celebrate Your Wins

By Cathie Leimbach • December 16, 2025
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending?  👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.

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.