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
Tag Archives: Leadership
18
Aug
Aug
Inspired by Dave Anderson’s article at Scarlet Ink. The Leadership Myth Whether we say it aloud or not, the intuitive wisdom about leadership (which clearly grew out of the machoism of the mid-twentieth century) is that tough leaders get ahead, but empathetic ones get ignored. It’s such old thinking that it feels instinctive: forceful personalities
15
Mar
Mar
🔍 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.
19
Feb
Feb
Compassion is more than just a feeling—it’s an active force that shapes workplace culture, builds trust, and strengthens organizations. Inspired by Awakening Compassion at Work by Monica C. Worline and Jane E. Dutton, this checklist provides actionable steps for fostering a compassionate work environment. Use it to assess and enhance how you respond to suffering,
08
Feb
Feb
Effective leadership requires emotional strength, self-differentiation, and a calm, non-anxious presence. Friedman argues that leaders often fail because they succumb to the anxiety, emotional pressures, and reactive behaviors of those around them. The book advocates for leaders to stay grounded in their principles, resist the contagion of anxiety, and embrace the courage to confront challenges directly. By maintaining emotional resilience and clarity, leaders can inspire confidence, drive meaningful change, and avoid the pitfalls of over-functioning or reactive decision-making.
21
Jan
Jan
The most successful organizations have rejected the false choice between results and kindness. They know that a culture of empathetic accountability isn’t just a “nice to have” but their single greatest competitive advantage. But finding that balance is often the hardest part of leadership. We default to one or the other: we’re either the “nice”
15
Jan
Jan
Are you ready to have the conversations that make a big difference? Inspired by Fierce Conversations and Fierce Leadership by Susan Scott, this checklist provides actionable steps to help you engage in meaningful, transformative dialogue. Use it to build stronger relationships, address challenges head-on, and foster accountability in both your personal and professional life. Checklist
15
Jan
Jan
Are you ready to transform your conversations and become a more effective leader or coach? Inspired by The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier, this checklist distills the book’s key coaching questions and habits into actionable steps. Use it to help you remember the core lessons after you’ve read the book so you can build
04
Oct
Oct
Working with a new boss from a different cultural background presents challenges but can open doors to personal and professional growth. By applying these strategies, you can turn cultural differences into an asset for your team’s success.
20
Sep
Sep
Listen as a podcast Accountability conversations often come with high stakes and emotions, making them hard to navigate. The following checklist, inspired by Crucial Accountability by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler, will help you stay on track when holding others accountable. Use it before, during, and after conversations to ensure effective
