Reaching Your Dreams by Focusing on Clear Goals

Cathie Leimbach • February 25, 2025

At just 19 years old, Manjit Minhas embarked on an ambitious journey to start her own wholesale liquor business. Her success didn’t happen overnight; it was the result of careful planning and determination. 


One of her key strategies was setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This method helped her clarify what she wanted to achieve and keep her focus sharp.


Daily reviews of her goals were also crucial. By regularly checking her progress, she could make adjustments and stay on track. Manjit understood that surrounding herself with experienced mentors made a huge difference. These mentors provided invaluable advice, sharing their insights and helping her navigate challenges she faced in the industry.


Additionally, creative negotiation played a vital role in her business dealings. Manjit learned to approach negotiations with flexibility and open-mindedness, allowing her to find win-win solutions that benefited both her and her partners. This combination of setting clear goals, seeking mentorship, and honing her negotiation skills not only set her apart from others but also laid the foundation for her successful business. 


Today, Manjit Minhas serves as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs everywhere, showing that hard work and smart strategies can lead to incredible achievements.

Leadership Development: The Hidden Superpower for Your Business

By Cathie Leimbach • April 29, 2025
Ever wonder why some companies consistently outperform their competitors? According to Ram Charan's "Leaders at All Levels," the secret often lies in their approach to leadership development. Think about it: when organizations invest in developing leaders at every level, they're not just checking a box for HR—they're directly fueling their economic engine. Charan says that leadership talent is actually the biggest constraint on business growth worldwide. Too many companies treat leadership development as a nice-to-have program rather than a strategic necessity. But those who get it right create a continuous chain reaction of leadership excellence throughout their organization, resulting in measurable business advantages. The most successful companies don't just develop executives at the top. They identify potential leaders early, move them through increasingly challenging assignments, and ensure they gain the necessary skills to drive performance at every level. In today's competitive landscape, your leadership pipeline isn't just about succession planning—it's about creating the sustainable competitive advantage that drives superior business results and economic performance right now.

The Power of Reflective Listening at Work

By Cathie Leimbach • April 22, 2025
Have you ever felt like someone wasn't really hearing you? Reflective listening can fix that problem in the workplace. Reflective listening means truly understanding what someone is saying before you respond. When a coworker is speaking, focus completely on their words instead of planning what you'll say next. Many of us start forming responses while others are still talking, which means we miss important parts of their message. True listening requires patience and practice. To become a reflective listener, start by giving your full attention. Put away your phone, turn away from your computer, and make eye contact. Then, after the person finishes speaking, briefly summarize what you heard. You might say, "So what I'm hearing is..." This shows you were truly listening and gives them a chance to clarify if needed. The benefits of reflective listening are huge. It reduces misunderstandings, builds trust between coworkers, and helps solve problems more effectively. People feel valued when they're truly heard, which creates a more positive workplace. With practice, reflective listening becomes a habit that improves all your work relationships. Remember: listen first, respond second. Your workplace will be better for it.
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