Author Archives: Amy Kay Watson
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
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
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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
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.
🔍 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.
Leadership Lessons in Balancing Empathy and Accountability Many leaders I coach enter their roles with a powerful, noble drive to create positive change. They envision empowering teams, streamlining processes, and driving exceptional results. Yet, in their zeal to improve performance, many fall into what I call the reformer’s trap. I see this pattern often. A
There’s a classic scene in The West Wing where Leo McGarry tells a story to a spiraling Josh Lyman. It’s about a man who falls into a pit. People pass by, offering advice and judgment from above. Then, a friend jumps in with him. The man says, “Now we’re both stuck.” The friend replies, “Yeah,
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