Poor Communication Yields Poor Team Results

Cathie Leimbach • June 10, 2020

Celeste Headlee, a communications expert and media personality, believes that a leader is only as strong as the team around them. She believes that leaders need to communicate effectively with their team members to position the individuals and the team for success.

Headlee shares that the time a person spends in face-to-face communication with another human being is directly correlated to their lifespan. She points out that true conversation involves listening to what another person has to say and responding to their comments. Synergy, when two heads are better than one, is the result of people taking the time to understand each other’s perspective and finding the aspects of someone else’s thinking that enrich their knowledge. For us to effectively work with other people we have to have empathy for others, believing that everyone has ideas that can add value to a team’s work.

Not taking time to listen deeply and ask questions so we understand where others are coming from results in miscommunication. And miscommunication among team members is the number one reason for project failure. Research shows that the primary cause of miscommunication is email and texting. These electronic verbal messages do not send body language and tone of voice cues to improve understanding. Neither do they permit emotional connection. They are effective for facts, lists, discussion summaries, and praise but they aren’t good methods for trouble-shooting and collaborative decision making.

Leaders of effective teams take time for face-to-face conversations realizing that the results of quality dialogue yield a high return on the time invested. What is one thing you will do to increase the conversations in your life which will improve understanding and team results?

#communication #celesteheadlee

Why Employees Stay: Building a Workplace People Love

By Cathie Leimbach • July 1, 2025
Keeping good employees isn't about luck – it's about creating a place where people genuinely want to work. When companies focus on what really matters to their staff, they see amazing results in loyalty and performance. Talk Openly and Build Trust The best workplaces encourage honest conversations. Employees feel safe sharing ideas and asking questions without worry. When managers are clear about company goals and changes, it creates trust. People stay when they feel their voices matter. Help People Grow Nobody wants to be stuck in the same job forever. Smart companies invest in training and show clear paths for advancement. When workers see chances to learn new skills and move up, they choose to grow with the company instead of leaving for something better. Respect Life Outside Work Great employers know their people have families and interests beyond the office. They offer flexible hours and reasonable workloads. When companies care about their employees' well-being, those employees care more about their work.  These simple changes create a win-win situation where everyone benefits. For even more insights on building a workplace people love, check out Employees Never Quit . What could your workplace do differently to keep great people around?

3 Ways Toxic Workplace Culture Hurts Everyone

By Cathie Leimbach • June 24, 2025
A toxic workplace can make even the best job feel like a nightmare. When negativity takes over, it creates serious problems that affect everyone involved. Lower Productivity and Performance - When employees feel stressed, unappreciated, or constantly criticized, their work quality drops. People spend more time worrying about drama than focusing on their tasks. This means projects take longer to finish, and the company's overall results suffer. Workers who feel beaten down simply can't give their best effort. High Employee Turnover - Nobody wants to stay in a place where they feel miserable. Toxic environments cause good employees to quit and look for better opportunities elsewhere. This creates a costly cycle where companies constantly need to hire and train new people. The remaining staff gets overworked trying to cover for those who left. Mental Health Problems - Toxic workplaces take a real toll on people's well-being. Employees often experience increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. This doesn't just hurt them at work – it affects their personal lives too. When people dread going to work every day, it impacts their relationships and overall happiness. To consider whether your culture might be toxic and what you can do about it, click here to learn about 8 Signs of a Toxic Culture and suggestions for overcoming the negativity.  Having a positive workplace culture isn't just nice to have – it's essential for success. What action could you take to create a healthier workplace culture?
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