Leadership at the senior level is inherently isolating. As you pioneer new paths for your organization, the number of peers who truly comprehend the complexity of your decision-making shrinks. You are left navigating a paradox: you are responsible for the collective success of the company, yet you often feel entirely alone in the execution. When
Author Archives: Amy Kay Watson
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Nov
Nov
In 2023, 42% of workers reported feeling burned out, a statistic that had climbed steadily since 2020. But for senior leaders, the problem isn’t just the number of people burning out; it’s the type of people we are losing. We are seeing seasoned veterans (the ones who usually “power through”) hitting a wall. For years,
14
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Nov
You have a team member who isn’t delivering. They seem disengaged, self-interested, or perhaps they are actively dropping the ball. The instinct for most high-performing leaders is frustration. You look at the facts, the reality, and the obvious solution, and you wonder: Why won’t they just do the right thing? When you feel this frustration,
12
Nov
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In the executive world, confidence is the currency of the realm. We are paid to have answers, set direction, and project certainty. Consequently, when we feel doubt, we treat it as a defect, a crack in the armor that needs to be hidden or fixed. But what if your doubt isn’t a weakness? What if
blog post|Featured
It’s Time to Reboot Accountability: A Manager’s Guide to Building a Process That Actually Works
06
Nov
Nov
For many leaders, the simple phrase “holding someone accountable” creates a knot in their stomach. We dread it, seeing it as the opposite of empathy. This is a common cycle I call the “Reformer’s Trap.” It’s what happens when leaders, often with the best of intentions, default to judgment at the expense of trust. (If
05
Nov
Nov
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
02
Nov
Nov
If you’re a successful, driven professional, you might know the feeling. You’ve climbed the ladder and built a life that looks right on paper. But internally, you feel stuck, frustrated, or bored. You find yourself wondering, “Is this all there is?” When my clients feel this way, their first instinct is often to find out
02
Nov
Nov
Hi. I’m Amy Kay Watson, and I’m addicted to electronics…
Every third Sunday of the month, I have set aside a device-free day. That means this Sunday, I won’t be on email, social media, or even the phone.
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🔍 Summary:
Self-aware leaders balance empathy and accountability by noticing their reactions, pausing for perspective, and responding with clarity. This post outlines how to lead with both compassion and firmness—especially when performance is on the line.
