UNDERSTOOD The Greatest Human Need and the Key to Engagement

Understood serves as a comprehensive guide for leaders looking to unlock their own potential as well as that of every member on their team. Through interviews and research and experiences from her own work, Maria proves just how transformative the simple concept of understanding can be for workplace engagement and culture. - JEFF TETZ, CEO and Partner of Results Business Consultants, Host of Unleashed Business Podcast, and Keynote Speaker With 35 years of small business ownership, my greatest asset is my team. Teamwork requires constant communication and connection to maintain a cohesive and enjoyable work environment. Maria's points in Understood are relevant and refreshing. - HEATHER DETERMAN, Heather Determan Insurance Agency, Inc. Maria deBruijn's approach to leading others perfectly blends practical skills and mindset shifts. She knows first-hand the importance of finding the right balance between what we do and how we do it. In Understood, she has captured the essential elements that allow any leader to recognize the positive impacts of having a team that feels understood. - AMY KELLESTINE, Leadership & Resilience Coach, Hummingbird Consulting, Inc. hummingbirdconsulting.com In Understood, Maria deBruijn moves beyond traditional engagement strategies, creating a roadmap for connection through engaging dialogues with leaders from diverse fields. Understood is a must-read that redefines what it means to truly connect with employees. - ANAIS LINDGREN, Director of Finance, People and Culture, FUNctional Therapy Maria deBruijn's Understood underlines the impact of feeling genuinely understood on workplace engagement. Her perspective that the workplace dynamic starts with the leader is a reminder that leading with positivity, generosity, and consistency can nurture employee satisfaction and productivity. It takes the concept of ""tone at the top"" to the next level. -HEATHER MACCALLUM, former President and CEO of NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul Understood: The Greatest Human Need and the Key to Engagement offers valuable insights into fostering a more connected and motivated workplace for all professionals. This book is a compelling read for anyone looking to improve team dynamics and create a more positive work environment. -DONNA SMITH, Federated Co-operatives Limited Board Director Drawing from her years of research and practical experience, Maria explores how the simple act of feeling understood can transform engagement in the workplace. Understood is an insightful and thoughtful guide not only for CEOs but any people leader looking to cultivate meaningful, lasting organizational change. -DARWIN BOZEK, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Pension Board In an era of significant overload and overwhelm, this IS the ""why to"" and ""how to"" book every leader needs to read. Maria deBruijn brilliantly and simply explains the mindset, skills, and actions all leaders can take to cultivate relationships and environments that bring out the best in people and allow them to contribute towards meaningful and measurable results. Leaders who learn, model, and develop the understood mindset will change what it means to work well, win well, and team better together in any organization. - JUDY RIEGE, Leadership Coach, Mentor, Keynote Speaker, Judyriege.com Understood is a must-read for any leader committed to making a lasting impact. Maria has provided a framework to create workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. This book invites leaders to embrace the transformative power of understanding and champion a culture where every team member can bring their best selves to work. It is a call to action that will resonate deeply with anyone striving to lead with empathy, connection, and purpose. - MICHELLE OKERE, Okere & Associates