The Impact of Compassionate Leaders

Cathie Leimbach • May 31, 2023

When employees feel cared for at work, they talk more positively about their employer.

Gallup, a well-known research company, has studied how compassion helps leaders be more effective. Their research shows that leaders who show compassion have a positive impact on their organization and the well-being of their employees.

Gallup found that compassionate leaders create an environment where employees feel valued and supported. They listen carefully to their team members, give helpful feedback, and offer assistance when needed. This kind of leader builds trust and improves communication.

Compassionate leaders are also good at handling difficult situations and conflicts. They understand and care about their employees' feelings, which makes them feel safe to share their ideas and concerns. This openness leads to more collaboration and problem-solving.

Gallup's research proves that compassion in leadership has real benefits. Companies with compassionate leaders have happier employees, lower turnover, and higher productivity. By being understanding and empathetic, leaders can create a positive work culture where people can grow both personally and professionally.


Why New Tools Don’t Change Behavior

By Cathie Leimbach • January 27, 2026
New tools promise big results. New software, dashboards, and systems all look great on paper. But months later, many leaders are still asking, “Why hasn’t much changed?” Because tools don’t change behavior — leadership does. A system can organize work, but it can’t create ownership. It can’t set expectations. It can’t follow through. Without strong leadership habits, even the best tools just make problems more visible. What really drives results? Clear expectations Consistent follow-through Helpful feedback Leaders who model the right behavior When those are missing, people work around the tool instead of with it. Adoption drops. Frustration rises. And the old problems stay. So the better question isn’t, “What tool do we need next?” It’s, “Do our leadership habits support the results we expect?”  👉 Join our 60-minute Leadership Conversation to explore the habits that actually drive performance.

If Nothing Changes, What Will This Cost?

By Cathie Leimbach • January 20, 2026
When things feel “manageable,” leaders often continue with status quo. People are busy. Work gets done. But small issues quietly add up. Rework becomes normal. Deadlines stretch. Decisions take longer. None of it feels like a crisis, but together it eats away at time, energy, and profit. Inconsistent leadership makes it worse. When expectations change from day to day or from one manager to another, people stop giving their best. Some coast. Some get frustrated. Some start looking elsewhere. Turnover rises, along with hiring and training costs. The warning signs are usually right in front of us: Work keeps getting redone. Managers avoid tough conversations around poor performance. Good people are doing less than they could. Progress feels slower than it should. The real question isn’t, “Can we live with this?” It’s, “What is this costing us if nothing changes?” 👉 Join our 60-minute Leadership Conversation to explore how today’s patterns may be impacting your results — and what small shifts could make a big difference.