Empathy vs Accountability

There is a tension right now.

Yesterday, I made a new school decision and an old school decision within 15 minutes of each other. I had one team member ask for a mental health day. I granted it immediately and with all the empathy it deserved. Shortly after, I told two other team members to get their butts in the office on time because that’s their damn job.

Mental health and toxic work cultures are the buzz words we hear all around us- and often for good reason. For far too long, bosses sat above it all, demanding, stealing and squeezing their people. Leaders in today’s world must do better. If you don’t already know this- know this.

However, the pendulum’s swing is silent and discreet.

Accountability is just as vital. Employees that manipulate and use mental health as a way to do less are dangerous and selfish. And it’s often indecipherable for leaders to know what’s real and what’s a rouse.

It takes all of us to make a better working world. Kinder leaders, honest workers, more empathy, and individual accountability.

This isn’t easy. That’s why they call it work.