Connection Extends Trust

Cathie Leimbach • August 23, 2022

“People want to follow, buy from, and be around those who are willing to connect,” says David Horsager. “Trust is all about relationships, and relationships are best built by establishing genuine connection. Develop the trait of gratitude, and you will be a magnet.”

No person is an island. Human beings are meant to live around other human beings. As Stephen R. Covey says, the highest level of human development is interdependence, not independence.  We are at our best when we can enjoy each other’s company and leverage each other’s strengths. 

We earn money when we provide a product or service that benefits others, and we pay for goods and services that others provide to us. When we connect well with other people – when we have positive, appreciative relationships with others – we benefit materially and emotionally. Connecting well with others extends trust and loyalty. We have a sense of security and peace knowing that we are part of a reliable community – that we don’t have to ‘go it alone’.

In the work world, we need to have good relationship skills to connect with customers, workplace colleagues, and vendors. Relationship skills strengthen our capability to be a leader, a follower, and a team member during tough times. Connection confidence and competence are critical to thriving in our interdependent society.

Marta Wilson, a Forbes Books author, suggests improving our interpersonal connections by:

  • Striking up conversations to develop formal and informal relationships with a diversity of coworkers.
  • Looking for small and large ways that we can be unified with coworkers, customers, and suppliers.
  • Recognizing other people’s value. Acknowledge their strengths and achievements. 
  • Setting a positive tone in our work environment to build a culture of support and empowerment. This provides a safe environment to try new things, making it easier for people to grow and change to help their organization achieve its goals and fulfill its mission.

Every day of our lives we rely on others in our family, our workplace, and our community. Positive connections with those around us build trust, which in turn, provides a sense of security and peace, increasing our quality of life.  

Is Absenteeism a Pain in Your Pocket?

By Cathie Leimbach • August 10, 2026
Absenteeism is expensive. Every unexpected absence costs more than a day's wages. Someone else may need to work overtime. Priorities get reshuffled, service slows, projects fall behind, and customers notice. Before long, absenteeism starts taking money right out of your pocket. That's why many organizations turn to attendance policies, incentives, disciplinary action, or tighter oversight. But what if those approaches are addressing the symptom rather than what's really going on? Most people don't wake up one morning and suddenly decide they don't care about their work. Disengagement usually happens gradually. People stop sharing ideas. They stop feeling heard. They begin doing only what's required. Eventually, some stop showing up. By the time absenteeism is brought to your attention, the real issue may have been growing for weeks—or even months. If absenteeism has become a recurring challenge, don't just ask, "How do we reduce call-offs?" Instead, ask "What happened before people stopped wanting to show up?" That question may lead you somewhere an attendance report never will—and may ultimately save far more than overtime costs. Attendance problems. Accountability. Difficult conversations. Team conflict. Every leader faces workplace people challenges, and few have been taught exactly what to do when they arise.  Talking through your challenges with others can be helpful. Ask questions of your network. Get some ideas online. Sometimes another perspective is exactly what you need to see the situation differently. You Don't Need to Go It Alone. Bring your workplace people challenges to the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic on August 17. Gain insights from Cathie Leimbach and other attendees as you explore practical ways to handle the situations you're facing. Register here for the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic

People Give More When They Know Why Their Work Matters

By Cathie Leimbach • August 4, 2026
Most employees know what they are expected to do each day. Far fewer fully understand why their work matters or how it contributes to the organization's success. Yet that understanding is one of the most powerful drivers of engagement, commitment, and performance. Gallup research consistently shows that employees who feel connected to their organization's mission and purpose are significantly more engaged, while highly engaged teams achieve stronger productivity, profitability, customer satisfaction, and retention. When people understand how their individual responsibilities help customers, coworkers, and the organization succeed, their work becomes more than a list of tasks—it has meaning. Supervisors play the key role in creating that understanding. A job description explains what to do. Leadership conversations explain why it matters. They help employees see how quality, safety, customer service, teamwork, and continuous improvement all connect to the organization's goals. As work changes, priorities shift, or new challenges arise, supervisors who communicate openly help employees understand not only what is changing, but why those changes matter. Questions, discussion, and regular feedback replace assumptions with clarity and build trust. Employees who understand the purpose behind their work are more likely to make good decisions, solve problems, take initiative, and remain committed during difficult times. They also appreciate knowing that their organization is willing to invest in their future through learning and career development opportunities, even if promotion is not immediate. When supervisors consistently connect daily work to a larger purpose through meaningful conversations, employees gain direction, confidence, and motivation. They don't simply complete tasks—they understand the difference they make. And that understanding creates a workplace where engagement, performance, and retention naturally grow. Need Help with a Difficult Workplace Conversation? Great leadership doesn't happen by accident—it happens one conversation at a time. You Don't Need to Go It Alone. Bring your workplace people challenges to the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic on August 17. Gain insights from Cathie Leimbach and other attendees as you explore practical ways to handle the situations you're facing. Register here for the FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic Conversation is where leadership happens.