Career Pathing is a Retention Lever You're not Pulling

Wiley Workplace Intelligence looked at factors that maximize retention and engagement, what most HR leaders say keeps them up at night (Beck & Carney, 2026). They surveyed 1,459 individuals about career development and they found two specific, measurable things that have a surprising impact on whether people are engaged and intend to stay with the organization.

The strongest predictor of both retention and engagement was how much time a manager gives to develop their direct reports. This isn’t asking managers to become career coaches or build formal development plans – it’s asking them to have the bandwidth to be present. This justifies making a business case for protecting manager time, thereby saving replacement and lost productivity costs.

Employees were also direct about what will move engagement for them: skills development and training.

What Leaders Can Do

1.Protect manager time for development, deliberately. Build it into how manager workload gets planned.

2. Let the data set your priorities, not just intuition. Before building a new program from scratch, check whether training investment matches where your employees already say the need is.

3. Treat manager availability is a retention metric, not a culture nice-to-have. Protect manager availability as seriously as any other retention lever.

4. Use manager conversations as a lower-cost complement to training. Regular, lightweight check-ins are a fast way to show progress on this while longer-term skills investment gets built out.

Wiley’s suite of professional solutions provides a structure and common language to help empower your entire organization with the skills needed to get to the next level. From building better teams with The Five Behaviors®, improving understanding to create an engaged, collaborative and adaptive culture with Everything DiSC® on Catalyst™, or helping you make confident hiring decisions with PXT Select®, I can provide you with innovative solutions to help make your workplace a better place. DM me for more info or a demo!

Put DiSC to use in your organization!!

The DiSC model goes way beyond a personality label - it is also used as a practical framework for navigating current challenges we face in the workplace. For example,

1. We can connect DiSC to Hybrid and Remote Work. Different DiSC styles often have different needs in virtual environments:

D (Dominance): Wants efficiency, quick decisions, and clear outcomes.

i (Influence): Needs connection, interaction, and visibility.

S (Steadiness): Values consistency, support, and inclusion.

C (Conscientiousness): Wants clarity, quality standards, and detailed

information.

We can use DiSC to establish communication norms, meeting practices, and collaboration expectations for distributed teams.

2. We can apply DiSC to Generational Diversity. Instead of stereotyping generations, use DiSC to show that communication preferences often vary more by behavioral style than by age.

For example:

A Gen Z employee with a C style may want detailed instructions.

A Baby Boomer with a D style may want concise, outcome-focused

updates.

This helps teams move from assumptions to understanding.

3. We can use DiSC to Improve Psychological Safety. Today's leaders are expected to create environments where people feel comfortable speaking up.

DiSC can help leaders:

Recognize how different styles express concerns.

Adapt feedback approaches.

Encourage participation from quieter voices.

Reduce misunderstandings that lead to conflict.

4. Integrate DiSC with Change Management

Organizations are constantly dealing with AI, restructuring, economic uncertainty, and new technology. People respond differently to change:

D styles often focus on opportunities.

i styles seek enthusiasm and buy-in.

S styles need reassurance and stability.

C styles seek data and risk analysis.

Leaders can tailor change communications based on these needs.

5. Focus on Inclusion Rather Than Personality Typing. Modern employees are skeptical of being "put in a box." DiSC should be presented as:

A language for understanding behavior.

A tool for adapting communication.

A framework for building stronger relationships.

6. Link DiSC to Leadership Effectiveness. The most compelling use of DiSC today is leadership adaptability. We can ask leaders:

Who on your team needs more details?

Who needs more autonomy?

Who needs more discussion before change?

Who needs reassurance and support?

This shifts the conversation from "What's my style?" to "How do I flex my style to be more effective?"

DM me for a demo or to try it with your team!

Access the new updated videos in your Five Behaviors Faciliation Kit!

If you are a certified Five Behaviors facilitator, experience a fresh perspective at your next Five Behaviors learning experience with ten NEW live-action videos showing the behaviors from a more nuanced and updated perspective.

Contact me, your Five Behaviors Authorized Partner, to purchase a kit or learn how to upgrade! And of course, if you want to get certified to lead this powerful process that strengthens teamwork throughout your organization!

Get my app!!

For my clients or anyone else who wants to purchase materials from my website, I now have an app to make it easier! Just go to https://install.page/ngrdwipp and click "install" and you can keep my web products on your phone or tablet!

Build your Managers' Skills easily and efficiently!

As you know, today’s workforce is navigating more complexity than ever, yet many employees and managers still lack practical, real-world tools they can apply immediately with their teams.

That’s exactly what Worksmart on Catalyst™ was designed to solve! In our upcoming showcase, Worksmart in Action: Your Toolkit for Stronger Collaboration, you will experience how Worksmart’s five modules—either self-paced or facilitator-led—build essential collaboration skills right in the flow of work!

 In this one-hour virtual session, you will:

· Preview a self-paced module

· Explore Worksmart’s key topics

· Discover practical tools that help learners apply what they learn right away

 Ready to see Worksmart in action? Register now by clicking here and letting me know you're interested: https://www.karengeiger.com/toolkit-for-collaboration.

Build a Team that Thrives!

Don’t miss this Five Behaviors® Team Development virtual showcase ! This virtual event hosted by Wiley will focus specifically on the Team Development solution. In Teamwork: The Ultimate Competitive Advantage, you will:
*Learn about the powerful and unique Five Behaviors model and how it can be leveraged to unlock the power of teamwork.
*Preview The Five Behaviors Team Development solution.
*Experience activities that inspire cohesive teamwork.

The next showcase will take place on August 4, 2026, at 10 am – 11 am Chicago (4 – 5 pm London) and registration is now open. Let me know you're able to attend this free virtual session by going to https://www.karengeiger.com/teamworktheultimatecompetitiveadvantage and give me your info so I can get you registered. If you can't make it, you can register for the session on January 26, 2027.

Build engagement and productive teamwork!

The Five Behaviors® is the only team development solution that empowers us through self-discovery and constructive behavioral modeling to rewrite the traditional rules of teamwork. Each team member takes an assessment of the team, and the results generate rich discussion.

The Five Behaviors® combines the framework of Patrick Lencioni’s groundbreaking model for developing cohesive teams through five key behaviors (Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability, and Results) with personalized insights to create powerful, customized, and authentic team development solutions that empower individuals to make lasting change. And The Five Behaviors® combines Lencioni's team model with Everything DiSC® to reveal powerful personality insights to help us understand ourselves and others on our team.

You can get certified to lead these sessions! Check dates and register for yours at https://www.karengeiger.com/the-five-behaviors...

Worksmart on Catalyst now available in self-guided modules!

Now everyone in your organization can learn and apply 5 subjects to their real-life circumstances at any time from any device. Worksmart on Catalyst just got more flexible—and more accessible for everyone on your team. 

We’ve added self-guided modules so people can build real workplace skills on their own time, at their own pace. No scheduled training required. 

✅ Five short, on demand modules (~20 mins each). Subjects are

*Delivering Constructive Feedback

*Managing Conflict

*Empowering Others

*Navigating Change

*Motivating Others

✅ For anyone, at any level, not just managers

DM me for more info or a demo!

Strengthening relationships in the digital age

Think about your assumptions about in-person communication vs. digital. Some think that it's a binary "one is good and the other is bad", but Nancy Baym in her 2010 book "Personal Connections in the Digital Age" says they can both deepen connections and reveal cues that strengthen relationships. She differentiates between "rich" media which invites and demonstrates many social cues and "lean" media that allows fewer.

The Catalyst platform to use Everything DiSC to strengthen relationships provides these rich cues - if you are using it, you have the ability to click on a colleagues name, then get a comparison of your and their styles, with guidance about how best to approach them, gain buy-in, and/or manage tension. Its a rich source of data that, when applied either online or in person, can strengthen personal connections.

DM me for a demo or you can purchase your own assessment here: Everything DiSC ® on Catalyst™ Base Assessment — Karen Geiger & Associates, inc.

Build your employees' engagement by proving your managers with this helpful set of tools!

Gallup's 2026 State of the Global Workplace Report found that lower engagement among managers accounts for most of the recent downturn in employee engagement.

You can prepare and therefore engage your managers by providing them with Everything DiSC Worksmart which gives them the practical tools they need to perform basic management skills from giving feedback to navigating change. This package of 5 topics is self-guided (Navigating Change, Giving Constructive Feedback, Motivating your Team, Managing Conflict, and Empowering your Team) only takes an hour or less, and lets them apply the content to specific members of their teams.

Join us on Tuesday, April 22, 2026 for Worksmart in Action: Unlocking Your Manager Superpowers! In just one hour, you'll preview Everything DiSC® Worksmart—five facilitator-led modules on Catalyst™ that build critical manager skills in under an hour—and walk away with tools your managers can use right away. DM me so I can register you (no cost)!

Build your organization’s teamwork effectiveness!

We know that effective teamwork directly impacts productivity, morale, employee satisfaction, and overall workplace success. When teams work well together, they create an environment where collaboration thrives, leading to better outcomes for both employees and the organization. Here’s a closer look at the unique benefits of effective teamwork:

1. Boosts clarity and decision-making

Effective teamwork creates an environment where open communication isn’t just encouraged — it’s essential. By using clear communication channels like regular check-ins, collaborative platforms, and transparent messaging, teams can reduce misunderstandings and stay on the same page. When everyone knows what’s happening, they can address issues faster and make better decisions.

2. Maximizes productivity through smart resource use

Teams that collaborate well can divide difficult tasks based on skills and strengths. This approach ensures that the right people handle the right tasks, leading to quicker and more effective outcomes. By balancing workloads and adapting to changes, teams optimize productivity and maintain high team performance.

3. Encourages creativity and fresh perspectives

Innovation thrives in diverse teams. When people with different backgrounds and skills collaborate, they challenge each other’s thinking and push boundaries. A company culture that promotes brainstorming and idea-sharing enables teams to explore creative solutions and continuously improve, helping the organization stay competitive.

4. Builds stronger relationships and trust

Teamwork strengthens relationships by fostering trust, respect, and camaraderie. Working closely helps team members understand each other’s strengths and work styles better, creating a more cohesive and supportive environment. Tools that enable real-time communication and shared digital spaces build a strong sense of belonging and support.

5. Solves problems from all angles

A well-aligned team brings different viewpoints and skills to tackle challenges, leading to comprehensive solutions. By pooling expertise to analyze problems and develop effective strategies, teams can ensure smoother and more successful outcomes. Visual project management and collaborative brainstorming tools help teams identify root causes and choose the best solutions.

By focusing on these benefits, you can create a workplace where teams feel empowered, engaged, and ready to achieve more together. When teams communicate clearly, leverage their strengths, and work creatively, they reach their goals and build a culture where everyone thrives.

You can create this in your workplace! DM me to get certified in the Five Behaviors team development process - dates here: https://www.karengeiger.com/the-five-behaviors-facilitator-certificationkg.

Build your Managers' Superpowers!

Today’s managers are navigating more complexity than ever, yet many still lack practical, real-world tools they can use immediately with their teams. That’s exactly what Worksmart on Catalyst™ was designed to solve!

In our upcoming showcase, Worksmart in Action: Unlocking Your Manager Superpowers, you will experience how Worksmart’s five focused, facilitator-led modules build essential manager skills in under an hour! In this one-hour virtual session, you will:

*Preview a live module experience

*Explore Worksmart’s key topics

*Discover tools that help managers apply what they learn right away.

Ready to see Worksmart in action? Choose one of the dates below and DM me to sign up! Tuesday, March 31, 11-noon EST Wednesday, April 22, 11-noon EST

WHY MASTERING THE HUMAN ELEMENT MATTERS.

Companies are fundamentally human systems. Their success depends on aligning individual motivations with collective goals. And when personal and organizational goals diverge, performance suffers. Personality tools can help to bridge this gap.

STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE Understanding people's motivations and work styles creates harmony and energy that competitors can't easily replicate, and because performance and structure are the result of human decisions and motivation, two otherwise identical organizations will have different results.

What do personality and team assessments offer?
*STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS Build cohesive teams through understanding. *COMPETITIVE EDGE Achieve results others can't match.
*ENHANCED DECISION-MAKING Navigate complexity with tailored strategies.
*TARGETED COMMUNICATION Message effectively for maximum impact.

I represent these Wiley tools: PXT Select, Everything DiSC, and Five Behaviors. All of them help achieve better results than your competitors and make the most of your human talent. DM me for a demo.

Take an hour to breathe out and learn on January 28. At no cost!

Most teams feel overwhelmed and disconnected in today's fast-changing world. But some teams thrive—they adapt quickly and work seamlessly together. What's their secret? Join the virtual showcase, Teamwork: The Ultimate Competitive Advantage, on Wednesday, January 28 from noon - 1 pm to:

·       Learn about The Five Behaviors model and how it unlocks teamwork

·       Preview The Five Behaviors Team Development solution

·       Experience activities that inspire cohesive teams

Contact me to register today!

Accomplish your team's purpose most effectively!

Regardless of what purpose you are leading toward, as a leader you can boost motivation, engagement, handling difficult team members and resolving conflicts by using Worksmart. This is an add-on to Everything DiSC Catalyst so all you need to do is issue a Catalyst assessment to each person and follow that up with 1-hour modules focused on the most relevant topic of your choice: Giving Constructive Feedback, Managing Conflict, Empowering your Team, Helping your Team Navigate Change, and Motivating your Team.

DM me for a demo!

Make your teams thrive!

Most teams feel overwhelmed and disconnected in today's fast-changing world. But some teams thrive—they adapt quickly and work seamlessly together. What's their secret? Join the virtual showcase, Teamwork: The Ultimate Competitive Advantage, on Wednesday, January 28 from noon - 1 pm EST to:

·       Learn about The Five Behaviors model and how it unlocks teamwork

·       Preview The Five Behaviors Team Development solution

·       Experience activities that inspire cohesive teams

Contact me to register today!

Take Advantage of this Worksmart Sale!

DiSCember starts early! Everything DiSC is offering 25% off Worksmart on Catalyst for a limited time only starting November 24!

In a world where change is constant, your managers are the key to stronger teams and better performance in 2026.

Contact me to get started with Worksmart and equip your managers with the skills they need to lead!

#Worksmart #EverythingDiSC #DiSCember

Use the Five Behaviors tool to build teamwork across different backgrounds and cultures!

Use the Five Behaviors tool to build teamwork across different backgrounds and cultures. This will:

* Build trust across leaders from different backgrounds and perspectives. Vulnerability-based trust helps leaders overcome biases and value each other’s perspectives. 

* Manage conflict constructively by embracing diverse opinions. Your leaders learn to engage in healthy debates where differences enhance decision-making. 

* Strengthen commitment to shared values of inclusion and equity. Your leadership teams can co-create commitments that integrate diversity into strategy and culture. 

* Reinforce accountability for inclusive practices at leadership levels. Ensure that your leaders model inclusive behaviors consistently. 

* Focus on results that reflect collective performance and innovation. Your leadership teams will focus on enterprise-wide results where inclusion drives innovation and growth. 

DM me for more info!

Use the free Everything DiSC® Comparison Report to make the most of your working relationships!

If you and a colleague have ever taken an Everything DiSC® profile, you can generate a Comparison Report at no extra cost. Each of you can use it to talk about how your working relationship is going and learn ways to adapt to each other so you make the most of it.

The Everything DiSC® Comparison Report allows any two Everything DiSC participants to see their similarities and differences in six areas. The report includes a narrative that explains these similarities and differences and guides participants in a discussion around them. Overall, the purpose of this report is to improve communication and efficiency, while reducing tension and misunderstandings.

So for the cost of 1 assessment (Workplace is $90), you can generate unlimited Comparison Reports as your working relationships change.

DM me for more info!

Get your Five Behaviors Certification and Make a Difference building Teamwork!

Do you want to make a strong impact on your organization's or your team's effectiveness? Here's a way to build your portfolio and make a difference: Earn the Five Behaviors® Certification! This will prepare you to deliver engaging and impactful Five Behaviors® experiences that build cohesive teams.

In this two-week immersive experience that combines live, instructor-led sessions with self-guided online learning, you will:

· Discover the foundational principles of The Five Behaviors model.

· Explore the entire Five Behaviors solution portfolio from two perspectives – the learner and the facilitator.

· Learn how to build custom solutions and deliver Five Behaviors experiences.

· Practice facilitation and coaching techniques while receiving feedback in a supportive environment.

· Gain ongoing access to Wiley’s online training center, where you can access all of the course content and connect with their fellow Practitioners and Wiley’s education specialists.

Upon successful completion of the exam, you will earn the credential of The Five Behaviors Certified Practitioner. You must own a Five Behaviors Facilitation Kit which is not included with the course. You may purchase the kit separately from me.

Click on Certifications here, then Five Behaviors - https://www.karengeiger.com/the-five-behaviors-facilitator-certificationkg - to find the dates that work best for you (all virtual).