Balancing Care and Performance

"The essence of leadership is holding your people to the highest possible standard while taking the best possible care of them." Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell

How to build a culture of high standards and accountability while taking care of your employees.

"The essence of leadership is holding your people to the highest possible standard while taking the best possible care of them." Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell

In many cases, leaders view having high standards and employee accountability as a form of controlling their employees, when in actuality it is quite the opposite. Holding employees accountable and setting high standards allows your business and those who are willing to perform at their very best. 

When building a high impact, employee centric team or organization, these 5 steps can help. 

Step 1

Be an “Inspirational Leader”

Leaders with high standards of accountability pull more than they push. When employees are supported and understand the importance of the work that they are doing they operate at higher levels.

Step 2 

Build trust with your employees 

Do what you say and say what you mean. You must first realize that like with any relationship, trust is not built overnight. Being a trustworthy leader has much to do with being approachable and delivering on your word. Be consistent and make sure that what you say aligns with your actions. Model the behavior that you would like from your employees. If you say that collaboration is important, make sure you set positive examples of interaction and collaboration with your peers and other leaders. 

Step 3 

Set stretch goals and recognize performance 

Achieving the unachievable! Most employees are not satisfied with performing at mediocre levels. Leaders should create an environment in which their employees want to do and achieve more. When employees are given clear goals and are recognized for their performance they become more engaged and higher contributors.

Step 4

Communicating and knowing your employees 

Communication is more than talking, it’s listening and seeing. It allows leaders to deliver critical information and to understand what employees have to say to them both verbally and non verbally. 

Step 5

Don’t be afraid to hold your employees accountable to performance standards