The Fine Line Between Accountability and Support: How Leaders Can Empower Their Teams

As leaders, we often find ourselves in conversations that can sometimes spiral into negativity. Recently, I had a moment of pause after a discussion with a fellow executive. I realized the entire conversation had been gossipy, ego-driven, and very pessimistic. Catching myself in this negative mindset made me reflect on the kind of leader I want to be. 

I don't want to be remembered as tough, bitchy, and a real pain to work for. I don't want my go-to response to be disempowering or to make my team feel less than. Instead, I strive to be a leader who balances holding people accountable with being a cheerleader for positive support. 

But how can we, especially women as leaders, walk this fine line effectively; be both tough and the cheerleader for our people?

Emphasize Clear Communication; Clear communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership. When expectations are transparent, accountability becomes a shared goal rather than a top-down mandate. Regularly communicate your vision, goals, and expectations. Make sure your team knows what success looks like and how their contributions matter.

Foster a Culture of Trust; Trust is built through consistent actions and transparent intentions. Show your team that you trust them by delegating tasks and allowing autonomy. When mistakes happen, approach them as learning opportunities rather than reasons for punitive measures. This builds a supportive environment where team members feel safe to innovate and take risks.

Balance Criticism with Praise; Constructive feedback is essential for growth, but it should be balanced with recognition of achievements. When holding someone accountable, focus on the behavior or outcome, not the person. Follow up with positive reinforcement when improvements are made. This shows that you notice and appreciate their efforts, encouraging a growth mindset.

Lead by Example; Your behavior sets the tone for your team. Model the attitudes and behaviors you want to see in your team. Stay positive, solution-focused, and resilient in the face of challenges. Your team will take cues from you, and your attitude can significantly influence the overall work environment.

Empower Your Team; Empowerment comes from providing the right resources, support, and opportunities for development. Encourage your team members to take ownership of their projects. Provide mentorship and opportunities for professional growth. When your team feels empowered, they are more likely to take accountability for their work and strive for excellence.

Practice Self-Reflection; As leaders, we must regularly reflect on our behavior and its impact on our team. Acknowledge when you slip into negative mindsets and take steps to course-correct. Self-awareness is key to personal growth and effective leadership. Seek feedback from your team on how you can improve as a leader.

Encourage a Collaborative Environment; Promote a culture where collaboration and mutual support are valued. Encourage team members to help each other and share knowledge. This creates a sense of community and collective accountability, where everyone is invested in each other's success.

Walking the fine line between holding people accountable and being a cheerleader for positive support is a continuous journey. By emphasizing clear communication, fostering trust, balancing criticism with praise, leading by example, empowering your team, practicing self-reflection, and encouraging collaboration, you can create a work environment that is both productive and positive.

Leadership is not just about achieving goals but also about nurturing and inspiring those around you. Strive to be a woman in leadership who uplifts and empowers, and your team will not only meet expectations but exceed them.