Culture is divided into two clear components. The first component is people, and the second component is systems. One of the keys to being a dedicated leader is to recognize these differences and find a balanced way of accommodating both people and systems. One way of doing this is employing what is known as the “Empathy Accountability Continuum.” In fact, every great leader is able to strike a balance within this continuum.
One of the striking features of the “Empathy Accountability Continuum” is that leaders do not have to choose either empathy or accountability when dealing with their workers. Instead, they can operate within a structure that utilizes both empathy and accountability. Empathy can be considered as one side of the spectrum that takes into account people’s feelings, thoughts, and values. Accountability, on the other hand, is on the other end of the spectrum, strictly requiring results. Good leaders find a way to accommodate both empathy and accountability in a seamless manner.
The balancing act that takes place between empathy and accountability can vary depending on the person or situation. For example, some personalities may respond better to different proportions of empathy and accountability. In addition, the better acquainted an individual becomes with others, the easier it is to adjust one’s position on the continuum as needed. One way to do this is to be curious about your team members and what is important to them. Asking questions is a prime way to achieve this. Asking what they are working on and how they are going about it is a way to show interest, consideration, as well as help gauge what level of empathy and accountability the person or situation may require.
In addition, staying calm, connected, and curious about members of your team is a great asset in a leader. This will also help them be calm in return, as well as more willing to open up and communicate their thoughts, feelings, fears, or concerns. This improved communication leads to greater productivity and helps to prevent misunderstandings, as well as cultivate an atmosphere of solidarity.
It is equally important for leaders to realize where it is they fall on the spectrum between empathy and accountability. Self-awareness is essential because it is hard for a leader to lead others if they are not aware of where it is they are or where they want to be. Therefore, in accordance with the systems tenet of culture, you can take time to evaluate what your purpose and core values are, then act accordingly. Assessing where you currently are, what your vision and goals are, where you want to go, and what your plan is to get there, is all part of this process. Writing down future goals also helps make them more tangible and keeps you focused on the end game you so desire.
After this assessment is performed, it is crucial to implement the changes needed in order to reach the vision or goals articulated. Though change may be uncomfortable, it does not have to happen overnight. However, it must happen in order to be successful and adaptable in business. You can try keeping your goals in front of you so that you do not lose sight of what is most important. You can encourage other team members to do the same and doing huddles and momentum-building activities is one way to cultivate an atmosphere of teamwork, motivation, as well as empathy and accountability.
It is also important to remember that one of the significant tenets of the “Empathy Accountability Continuum” is flexibility. For example, extenuating circumstances may require greater adaptability. In addition to flexibility and self-awareness, creating strong personal and professional relationships with team members is significant in achieving a successful outcome.
For example, for myself, and others within the “Culture is Everything Club,” there seems to be a common amount of uncertainty surrounding when to lean toward empathy and connection, and when to lean toward accountability with more result-oriented actions. However, we strive to make daily progress on this and include a level of flexibility in accordance with the person and situation. When dealing with the “Empathy and Accountability Continuum,” it is necessary to recognize that it is not ironclad. Being aware of this flexibility helps make room for the many variations of empathy and accountability that may be required on a day-to-day basis.
When we combine the components of people and systems and utilize the “Empathy and Accountability Continuum” to its fullest potential, we can create a loving and positive atmosphere for ourselves, our business, and those we work with. Keeping team members engaged and recruiting individuals who are dedicated to similar goals and values will help make this process more seamless. In fact, it will even help to build a stronger culture. One way to make sure team members have similar goals and that there is a sense of continuity is to integrate a multi-step and multi-person hiring process. In addition, a thorough job description that is clear and detailed is incredibly vital. It will help others to understand what is needed, expected, as well as make sure there are similar goals and value systems at play within the company.
With the hectic and fluid workloads that have accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to properly utilize the “Empathy Accountability Continuum.” A change in the workplace culture does not have to take place overnight. It can be something that is worked toward day by day, little by little. The most crucial part is that there is positive change and momentum. Keeping your goals in front of yourself and verbalizing them regularly will facilitate this. Also encourage peer recognition, as well as regular recognition from leadership. Cultivate both personal and professional relationships, including acknowledging team members’ anniversaries, birthdays, or other special occasions. You may even want to consider being flexible with a budget for when something goes wrong in someone’s life. Striking a balance in the “Empathy Accountability Continuum” may not always be easy, but it is always worth it.