I recently had a moment many parents dread.
My child, who is now a new driver, called me after their first fender bender.
Thankfully, it was minor, but my first thought was, "How much will this cost to fix?" and "Why didn't she listen to me about going that direction?"
Yet, as I heard my child’s nervous voice, I had a split second to decide: Would I focus on my worry over repairs or respond with calm and empathy?
I (thankfully) chose empathy.
This situation reminded me of the dilemmas leaders face when responding to challenges—whether it's a team missing goals, struggling with change, or dealing with ongoing issues. It's easy to let stress drive our reactions, but the most effective leaders recognize that balancing empathy with accountability fosters a healthier team environment.
Just like I had to step back from my initial impulse and offer understanding to my child, leaders need to pause and consider their team's perspective. Acknowledge the tension, offer support, and prioritize a solution-focused approach. It’s not about ignoring accountability but about creating a safe space where team members feel supported, even in stressful situations.
By balancing empathy with responsibility, leaders encourage their teams to embrace challenges instead of fearing them. And yes, sometimes it might sting when you finally see the "repair bill," but the long-term impact on team morale and trust makes it worth it.
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