In the ever evolving landscape of modern business, accountability stands as a foundation for success. Yet, as of late, accountability seems to be taking a serious hit. Why? The root cause most often seems to be tied to an overextended and confused application of empathy, that when left unchecked, can inadvertently lead to underperformance. In addition, the heightened fear of pushing employees too far, and causing mental strain, further complicates the accountability equation. Going forward, it’s crucial to recognize that a healthy balance between empathy and accountability is essential for organizational growth and employee well-being.
Empathy, undoubtedly a necessary and critical trait in any workplace, should not show up as leniency. When leaders prioritize empathy above all else, they tend to shy away from holding employees accountable for their actions. While understanding and compassion are important ingredients of success, allowing empathy to overshadow accountability can lead to a culture of mediocrity and missed targets. As Brene’ Brown says “Empathy without accountability is enabling.”
On the flip side, the fear of being perceived as harsh or unsupportive can hold leaders back from enforcing needed accountability measures. They hesitate to set clear expectations, boundaries or timelines to hold their teams accountable for their performance, fearing it might negatively impact morale or even push individuals beyond their limits. However, when we avoid accountability, businesses risk stagnation and diminished outcomes. This lack of accountability becomes like a toxic illness wreaking havoc on your culture and results.
So, where does the solution lie?
It’s time to move beyond the fear of business accountabilities and embrace a balanced approach. This includes establishing clearly defined accountabilities with realistic expectations while ensuring that employees are adequately supported to meet these expectations. Ambiguity breeds confusion and undermines accountability. By outlining specific goals, objectives, and performance metrics, leaders provide employees with a clear roadmap to success. This clarity not only fosters accountability but also empowers individuals to take ownership of their responsibilities.
Additionally, it’s essential to acknowledge and address any gaps in capabilities that may hinder performance. Rather than simply pointing out shortcomings, leaders should work collaboratively with employees to identify specific areas for improvement and develop actionable plans to address them. This may involve providing training, mentorship and/or coaching, or other forms of support tailored to individual needs. The great news is that when personalized development opportunities are provided, employees tend to embrace them more actively and willingly.
I cannot stress enough; leaders must communicate openly and transparently with their teams regarding expectations and the supports that are in place to enable their success. Employees should feel empowered to seek assistance when needed, knowing that their leaders are committed to their growth and success. Equally important is the need to clearly define what success looks like. If a gap of needed improvement is left undefined or is constantly shifting, it fosters ambiguity and frustration in your employees and your attempts at accountability will feel subjective at best.
Realistic expectations are key to accountable empathy. Setting realistic timelines for performance improvement helps manage expectations and encourages a sense of accountability without undue pressure. Additionally, role expectations must be realistic as well. When I hear leaders saying they have reduced workloads in response to underperformance, my first question is always this, “Were the workload expectations realistic to begin with?” If they weren’t or you are unsure if they were, the attention needs to focus there, first. When we do not have realistic expectations of role accountabilities to begin with, we haven’t set anyone up for success. However, when expectations are realistic, clearly defined, and accompanied by sufficient support and resources, allowing underperformance in the name of empathy is unjustifiable and a misrepresentation of what empathy truly embodies. It also diminishes the importance of holding individuals accountable for their contributions. Continuing to prioritize an empathetic connection at the expense of allowing underperformance delivers a detrimental impact on not only the individual, but the team, and the organization. What you will find is hampered productivity, eroded team morale, and an undermining of the overall effectiveness and success of the organization.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to recognize that your people are the driving force behind your business’s ability to turn ideas into outcomes. By striking a balance between empathy and accountability, we can create a culture that values both performance and well-being. When accountability is approached with empathy and support, it unlocks growth, driving individuals and organizations towards their fullest potential.
Take the next step in redefining your leadership style by engaging in transformational leadership coaching and targeted leader training. Arm yourself and your team with the skills and insights necessary to navigate the delicate balance between empathy and accountability within your organization. Empower your team members to embrace ownership of their roles, while offering them the encouragement and direction vital for their success. Together, let’s cultivate a culture that cherishes both achievement and holistic well-being. Reach out today to initiate your path towards becoming a more influential and purpose-driven leader.