Blog Layout

Planning for a Bright New Year

Cathie Leimbach • January 7, 2025

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect, dream, and plan for what’s ahead. The start of a new year is like a blank canvas, and you get to decide what masterpiece you’ll create in 2025.


Think back to last year’s successes—what worked well? What accomplishments brought you the most pride and satisfaction? These are the foundations to build on this year. Whether it’s a project you’d like to expand, a habit you want to strengthen, or a relationship you hope to nurture, use last year’s wins as a launchpad for even greater achievements.


Then, take a moment to consider the challenges you faced. Which obstacles held you back, and how might you overcome them this year? Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and with a fresh perspective, you can turn those roadblocks into stepping stones.

What about new projects or dreams? Is there something you’ve been itching to start? This is the time to set clear, achievable goals and map out your path to success.



As you plan for 2025, remember that success starts with intention and focus. Wishing you a year filled with growth, joy, and exciting opportunities. Here’s to your best year yet!

Building Trust and Confidence in Professional Relationships

By Cathie Leimbach • March 11, 2025
Trust is like the glue that holds a team together and makes it thrive. When people on a team trust each other, it's like they're saying, "Hey, I've got your back." This trust lets everyone bring their best ideas and skills to the table without worrying about being judged or overshadowed. When you feel trusted at work, you're more likely to take risks and share new ideas. You're not afraid to step up when challenges arise. This kind of environment isn't just productive; it's where problems get solved in ways no one person could do alone. But trust isn't a one-way street. It's about finding that balance. The best professionals know how to be open and vulnerable while also setting clear boundaries. They understand when to give trust as a way to build strong relationships and when to protect themselves from being taken advantage of. The key is finding that sweet spot: trusting enough to foster collaboration and teamwork but also staying grounded to navigate professional relationships wisely. This balance creates a workplace where people feel safe to speak up and take risks, yet everyone is accountable for their actions. Trust isn't just nice to have—it's essential for a thriving team and a successful career.  👉 For additional tips on building trust, check out David Horsager’s 8 Pillars of Trust from his book The Trust Edge: David Horsager’s 8 Pillars of Trust (PDF)

Making Change Stick

By Cathie Leimbach • March 4, 2025
Change is one of those things that’s easier said than done, right? We all love the idea of progress and innovation, but when it comes down to actually shaking things up in our workplaces—well, let's just say not everyone is on board from the get-go. Did you know that around 70% of the time, those big change efforts in organizations flop? It’s not because people hate new ideas. It’s more about feeling unsure when things aren’t predictable anymore. We like our routines! So, how do you actually make change stick? Well, it’s all about how you sell it. Leaders need to really explain why these changes matter, not just for the company’s bottom line, but for everyone involved. Keeping everyone in the loop and being straight-up about what’s happening can build trust and calm those nerves. Here’s the secret sauce: get your team involved early on. Show them some quick wins to get everyone excited. And don’t ignore the stuff that’s gonna hurt a bit—acknowledge those losses and help people through them. Oh, and don’t forget the training and support they need to actually succeed in this new setup. The best changes aren’t about tearing everything down and starting over. They’re about building on what’s already great and moving toward something even better. When people feel like they’re part of the plan, not just watching it happen, that’s when magic really starts to happen.  So, think about it: how does your company handle change? Got a game plan for making sure your leaders and teams are all on the same page? If you’re looking to level up your leadership skills and tackle change head-on, drop Cathie a line at cathie@agonleadership.com or shoot a text to 440-320-3113 with “Workplace Leadership” in the subject line. Let’s chat about how to make your next big change a smooth ride for everyone involved.
More Posts
Share by: