As a people manager, it can be challenging to balance empathy with accountability. On one hand, you want to be a compassionate leader who cares about your team's needs and feelings. On the other hand, you also have to hold them accountable for their work and ensure that they meet their goals and objectives. Striking the right balance is crucial for effective leadership that results in happier employees, a positive work culture, and improved productivity. In this blog, we’re going to explore some tips and strategies for mastering the tightrope of people management.
First and foremost, it's essential to understand that empathy and accountability are not mutually exclusive. You can care about your team's wellbeing and still hold them accountable for their work. In fact, showing empathy can actually help you be more effective in holding your team accountable. When you're empathetic, you create an environment where your team feels comfortable coming to you when they're struggling. They trust you to be understanding and offer support when they need it. This makes it easier to hold them accountable because you can have open conversations about what's going wrong and work together to find solutions.
Here is a list of tips for "Mastering the Tightrope" of empathy and accountability in People Management
1. Lead by example:
Accountability starts at the top, and as a leader, it is crucial to demonstrate accountability in your own actions. When you hold yourself to a high standard and follow through on commitments, you set a positive example for your team to emulate. Avoid making excuses or blaming others for any shortcomings; instead, take ownership and learn from mistakes.
2. Foster a culture of trust and open communication:
Encourage open and honest communication within your team. Make it clear that feedback is welcome and that mistakes or setbacks are learning opportunities. Create an environment where team members feel safe and supported, allowing them to take risks and ask for help when needed.
3. Set clear expectations:
As a leader, it is essential to communicate clearly and establish precise goals and expectations for your team. This includes setting specific timelines and quality standards. Clear expectations ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities and what is required for success.
4. Listen actively:
Listen to your team members and try to understand their perspective. This will help you build trust and rapport, which will make it easier to address any performance issues if/when they come up.
5. Provide feedback:
Provide regular feedback on performance, both positive and constructive. This will help your team members understand what they're doing well and what areas they need to improve.
6. Prioritize one-on-one meetings (and keep them as scheduled):
Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with each team member to discuss their work, professional aspirations, and any issues they may be facing. This will help build a trusting relationship and show that you're invested in their success. Remember, avoid canceling or rescheduling these individual sessions. I can create a separate blog post to elaborate on this tip at a later time!
7. Take responsibility:
When you make a mistake, acknowledge it and avoid placing blame on your team members. By doing so, you will foster trust and demonstrate that you hold yourself accountable to the same expectations as your team. This advice aligns with leading by example, but it bears repeating!
8. Be flexible:
Being flexible as a leader is crucial for effective management. It involves being open to feedback from your team members and being willing to adapt your management style accordingly. By doing so, you demonstrate your willingness to learn, grow, and improve your leadership skills. Flexibility in management means being receptive to the perspectives and suggestions of your team members. Understanding the individual needs and preferences of your team members allows you to tailor your management style to help them excel.
9. Actively Request Feedback:
Be proactive in seeking feedback from your team members. By asking for their input, you demonstrate that you value open and honest communication. This helps foster an environment of trust and respect, where everyone feels their opinions are important. When you receive feedback, approach it with an open mind and consider it objectively. Reflect on how you can make adjustments or improvements based on the feedback. This shows your team that you appreciate their input and are dedicated to the group's overall success.
10. Provide resources and support:
Ensure that your team has the necessary resources, tools, and training to execute their responsibilities effectively. Be proactive in identifying any gaps and addressing them promptly. By providing ongoing support, you empower your team to meet their goals and fulfill their commitments.
BONUS TIP: Don't forget to celebrate successes:
Celebrate the successes of your team members and recognize their hard work. This will help build morale and show that you value their contributions.
By embracing empathy and accountability, you can create a healthier and more productive work environment. As a people manager, you have the power to balance these critical qualities and create a culture of acceptance, trust, and cooperation. Over time, you'll gain more confidence and become more skilled in managing people. Being human, after all, is both an art and a science.
Until next time,
Brooke