Listening to Your Team Members

Cathie Leimbach • March 1, 2022

Listening is a skill that adds great value to every aspect of our lives. Yet, few workplace leaders leverage the power of listening. Why should we make it a priority to be attentive and active or reflective listeners?



The most important factor in employees enjoying their job, and therefore, not becoming part of the Great Resignation, is feeling valued and respected by their supervisors and their peers at work. If one of your 2022 goals is to have good employee retention and morale, then listening effectively is critical.


People feel valued when they feel others care about them. When we ask questions about what is going well with their work this week, what we could do to help them succeed, and how they think they could do an even better job, we are curious about their current job satisfaction and offering to support them further. When we ask questions about their weekend or their family, they believe that we think of them as people with an interesting life outside of work. Human beings are emotional beings. We are wired to seek positive relationships with others in all areas of our life. And, since we spend more of our awake hours at work than anywhere else, quality workplace relationships are important for our mental, emotional, and physical health. Asking questions, listening to the answers, and reflecting what we heard, help our team members have an enjoyable and productive workplace experience.


Another aspect of listening to our team members is being accessible and attentive when they come to us with questions or suggestions. When employees tell you that the equipment they use all day long is not working properly, stop what you are doing and listen to them. Ask how the problem is impacting their work.  Ask what they think the problem might be and what help they need to get it resolved. If it is simply time to replace the five-year-old laptop, ensure the new computer gets ordered.


When they figure out a quicker way to get a job done, ask how well the end result meets the company standards. If it meets the standards, doesn’t use more resources, and doesn’t negatively impact colleagues or production schedules, encourage them to implement their innovations.  Engaged and empowered employees frequently find ways to enhance workplace culture and profit. Encourage this by listening.


Collaboration is valuable in workplace satisfaction and productivity. When leaders ask questions an listen to others’ suggestions to truly learn more about their employees as people and their strengths and needs in the workplace, they will bring out the best in people and enhance the organization’s bottom line.   

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.