Empathetic and Accountable Leaders

As researchers dive deeper into the Great Resignation, it’s becoming more apparent that the lack of empathetic leaders is a contributing factor. There has been much speculation as to what is leading to employees leaving the workforce. Is it the younger generation who isn’t a fan of the corporate 9-5? Too much money added to the economy from the pandemic? Or a more unified response to potentially returning to the office?

Well, none of these factors are the DRIVING reason behind the Great Resignation. 

Further research shows that many of the individuals that are leaving the workplace are attributing it to poor management. This comes from micromanaging, abusing their power, and creating a toxic work environment. It boils down to the lack of an essential soft skill. EMPATHY. But as a leader, do you have to choose between empathy and holding your employees accountable?

Absolutely not. The best leaders are both empathetic and accountable. In order to drive results, everyone needs to be held responsible. But what can be left in the past is a push for control simply because one is in a leadership position. Leaders who lack empathy have been groomed to do so by way of the cultural norm. Blaming others for mistakes has long been a way for leaders to escape the repercussions of poor business results. Also, in order to remove a senior leader, it takes input from other senior leaders. Often it is easier to just allow the leader to continue in their role rather than admit they were a poor hire. These two things can perpetuate poor leaders in organizations. 

However, when leaders bring empathy into the fold, they are able to respectively and proudly deliver positive results to the organization. Empathy isn’t just “being nice to people.” Instead, it focuses on being cognizant of, understanding, and accepting the feelings of others, no matter the outcome. The best time to see an empathetic leader is when business results ARE NOT achieved. How does the leader respond? How do they communicate with their team? An empathetic leader will let others know that they let them down but the way they deliver that message will not detract from the dignity of the person. Whereas a non-empathic leader will likely have a big reaction, blame others to distance themselves from the failure, and speak in a condescending tone. 

We all know business results matter. And achieving the objectives you are responsible for is very important to the success of your individual career and the organization. But the best leaders recognize success can be achieved with kindness. They recognize that employee mental health can go a long way in productivity and retention. 

If you find you are struggling with turnover as a company, take a quick look at your leaders. It can make all the difference. 

Celebrating your success,

Krista Ryan