Managers - The Root of Employee Retention

Cathie Leimbach • June 28, 2022

Yes, it’s the manager who has the most impact on employee retention! 

Employees control only 30% of the factors that contribute to workplace engagement and retention. It’s the manager who controls the other 70%. Gallup’s book, It’s the Manager, introduces 52 insights into workplace realities that inform leadership practices which impact employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. This article provides a high level look at why leveraging manager effectiveness is the best way to increase productivity and the organization’s bottom line.

For nearly a century the American dream was to have law and order, food and shelter. Once these were satisfied, people wanted to have a family, own a home, and live in peace. Now, in America and globally, the highest priority dream is to have a good job.  According to Gallup’s research, the most important contributor to the ‘best life imaginable’ – especially for young people and women – is to have a great job with a living wage and a manager or team leader who encourages your development. 

Unfortunately, only 15% of the global workforce reports having a great job. The reality that 85% are either just going through the motions or they hate their job has a negative impact on health, quality of life, organizational results, and the economy.   

Imagine the impact of increasing employee engagement to 50% of the workforce! How different individuals’ lives and our communities would be! But how can that possibly be done?

In the past 30 years workplace study after study has identified the factors that impact employee engagement. The biggest impact is how managers lead their people. Remember, managers control 70% of the variance in team engagement. Effective leadership practices have been identified, but few managers know about them. And even fewer put them into practice. 

Are your team members crystal clear everyday about what you want them to achieve? How often do you praise them for the things they are doing well? How encouraging and supportive are you when they need to improve their workplace performance? How skilled are you in these aspects of leading people?

What can you do to engage your employees for everyone’s benefit? If you would like to become a more effective leader at work, email me, Cathie Leimbach, asking for further information about developing highly effective people leadership skills. When you lead your team members well, they will become enthusiastic high performers. Don’t you want to experience this in your workplace? What difference would it make to your life?

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.