Character Forges Trust

Cathie Leimbach • August 2, 2022

“People notice those who do what is right ahead of what is easy,” says David Horsager. And people trust those who value justice and honesty rather than taking the easy way out of difficult situations.

People of good character consistently live by their values.  They are usually conscious of their top 3 to 5 personal values and the live their life accordingly. 


Character is displayed by acting the same in similar situations no matter who else is around. Generous people who have good character will donate the same amount to charity in private as they would if they received public recognition. They don’t put on a show for all to see.


People of good character show respect for all people regardless of their social standing, background, or race. They don’t say thank you to others only when somebody else is watching and they don’t join the ‘cool’ group in bullying the new kid at school.


Honesty is another character trait. Honest people own up to their mistakes rather than letting someone else take the blame and the punishment for their poor choices or destructive actions.


We are more likely to trust someone who regularly exhibits generosity, respect for others, honesty, and other positive character traits. Since their actions are consistent with their positive values, we have confidence they will continue to contribute positively to the community around them.


What is one value that you live regularly demonstrating you may be a person of good character? What is one habit you could develop more fully to demonstrate that you are a person of good character? 


When you frequently show strong positive behaviors, how will it affect the trust you have for others and their trust in you? 

Thanksgiving: Beyond the Turkey and Thank-You Notes

By Cathie Leimbach • November 25, 2025
As leaders, we know Thanksgiving week is prime time for employee appreciation. But here's the thing—a generic "thanks everyone" email hits differently for different people. Dr. Paul White's research on the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace offers a smarter approach. Just like people receive love differently, your team members feel valued in distinct ways: through words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, tangible gifts, or physical touch (think handshakes and high-fives in professional settings). That all-star on your team? She might light up from a handwritten note praising her specific contributions. Your behind-the-scenes problem-solver might feel more appreciated if you help him out by clearing his schedule for an afternoon so he can tackle his backlog. This Thanksgiving, skip the one-size-fits-all approach. Take ten minutes to consider how each team member prefers to be recognized. It's not about grand gestures—it's about matching your gratitude to what actually resonates with each individual. When appreciation lands in someone's preferred language, it doesn't just feel nice. It builds loyalty, boosts morale, and reminds people why they show up every day. That's something worth being thankful for. Curious about what languages are preferred? Click here to learn more!

The Power of Strategic Choice: Making Room for What Matters

By Cathie Leimbach • November 10, 2025
In most organizations, the instinct is to add —more goals, more projects, more meetings. But as Juliet Funt, founder of the Juliet Funt Group, teaches in her Strategic Choice process, real leadership strength lies in deciding what to stop doing . Strategic Choice is the intentional narrowing of priorities—cutting away the clutter so teams can focus on what truly drives results. It’s a disciplined act of letting go: saying no to good ideas so there’s room for the great ones. Funt’s approach challenges leaders to pause, think, and create the mental and operational space their people need to perform at their best. By removing unnecessary tasks and misplaced effort, leaders make room for precision, innovation, and real thinking time. This isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most. When businesses adopt this mindset, they replace overwhelm with clarity and regain control of their time, energy, and outcomes. For small to mid-sized companies, embracing Strategic Choice can transform busyness into focus—and that focus is where sustainable growth begins. Want a quick visual overview? View Strategic Choice: Making Room for What Matters to see how this process helps leaders focus on what truly drives results.