Recharge This Holiday Season

Cathie Leimbach • November 29, 2022

Many people who are driven to achieve don’t make it a priority to rest, relax, and reflect. They are risking overwhelm and burnout rather than making a difference. Exertion, intense focus, and stress tire our bodies and our minds, negatively impacting results.  To be successful in reaching meaningful goals it is essential to step away from the treadmill of activity and hard thinking. Sprinters can’t keep running indefinitely.  They need to slow down and stretch their muscles.  They need to nourish their bodies.  People are most effective when they take time to recharge along the way.

To regain our creativity, motivation, and focus, we can:   

  • Rest by taking a break from activity or work and having peace of mind or spirit;
  • Relax by taking a break from work or stress to engage in an enjoyable activity;
  • Reflect on our progress by meditating on a thought, action, or idea to gain insights.

During the U.S. Civil War, Abraham Lincoln told stories. He went to the theater frequently.  He took time to unwind despite the turbulent times. Lincoln needed some relief from the stress he was carrying.

During World War II, Franklin D Roosevelt hosted a cocktail party at the White House every night. He insisted that there be no talk of the war despite the turbulent times.  The purpose of this event was to offer a mental break and an emotional recharge.

We are experiencing turbulent times. We need to recharge before the first business day of 2023. What are you going to do to recharge during this holiday season?  How will you rest and relax?  When will you reflect in preparation for a successful new year? 

Accountability Without Drama

By Cathie Leimbach • March 3, 2026
Accountability doesn’t have to feel tense or awkward. When done well, it’s calm, clear, and supportive. Most leaders avoid it because they don’t want conflict. But avoiding it creates something worse — inconsistency, frustration, and missed results. Strong accountability is simple: What was expected? What actually happened? What needs to happen next? When leaders address issues early and clearly, drama fades. People know where they stand. Follow through improves. Common mistakes: Waiting too long B Being inconsistent Attacking the person’s character These patterns can change. With the right habits, accountability becomes predictable instead of stressful — and work gets better fast. 👉Download our Accountability Without Drama Checklist to practice these conversations with confidence. 

Communication Gaps

By Cathie Leimbach • February 24, 2026
Most communication problems don’t happen because people aren’t listening. They happen because leaders assume clarity instead of checking for it. “I think they get it” isn’t the same as “they really do.” When people don’t clearly understand what’s expected of them, they make their own assumptions to fill in the gaps. That’s when rework, missed deadlines, and frustration show up. Strong leaders ask better questions: What do you see as the top priority? What does success look like to you? What could get in the way? These don’t slow work down — they prevent costly resets later. Try a simple weekly habit: Think about one key conversation. What did I mean? What did they hear? Where was the gap? Small awareness leads to big gains. 👉 You’re invited to a Leadership Conversation with other leaders to discuss common leadership gaps and how they quietly influence results.