Sage Tidbit #4: Balancing Care & Accountability

A tidbit is a small morsel…. of inspiration, insights, or lessons learned/tips to reflect on, and digest, over your week.

How you balance cultivating a culture of care while holding your people accountable for their performance?

I’ve seen this so many times, one leader may be able to hold their people accountable, giving very direct feedback, but people don’t really feel like they care for them as a person. On the other hand, I’ve seen very caring leaders who win the loyalty of their people with the relationship bonds they form, but they struggle to give clear, direct feedback and hold their people accountable for the performance they need to be demonstrating. It’s a delicate balance of care and accountability. Both behaviors are important for leading a high-performing, highly motivated team that has each other’s backs.

 Reflection Questions

• Do you have any beliefs and mindsets that may be getting in the way of your effectiveness as a leader?

• Are you protecting people in ways that are helpful or not helpful?

• How do you balance cultivating a culture of deep care for your people while holding them accountable at the same time?

Suze Shaner-Brodax is an executive coach and leadership & organization effectiveness consultant. She also teaches yoga and meditation – tools to keep one sane in uncertain times. She helps professionals step up to their fullest leadership, life and growth potential. At times this means getting out of their own way in getting important stuff accomplished. www.sagelead.com.