How to Be Compassionate AND Still Hold People Accountable

In this episode, Kausern Hieu and Seok Hian explore the delicate balance between compassion and accountability in leadership. Discover how holding onto non-performers can shift decision ownership away from leaders, impacting team dynamics and performance. [Also, join our WhatsApp podcast community where we will gathering online at the end of every month. Interact with Kausern and Seok Hian LIVE on leadership matters. Join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JzuHmazYI8X...] Key takeaways: • Understand the consequences of tolerating non-performance, even though they have a legit human problem. • Explore real-life examples of such a leadership tension. • Learn how compassion can coexist with accountability. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:42 The tension between human circumstances and performance 02:13 A manager’s story: supporting an employee through family planning 05:04 When personal challenges affect work 07:14 Compassion vs. accountability 08:17 The hidden cost of holding on to underperformance 09:55 How to support someone without lowering standards 11:04 When high performers carry too much of the load 14:39 Managing performance through partnership and clear expectations 17:28 Why accountability conversations feel so difficult 21:50 A practical framework: put the work on the table 24:37 Leadership requires both compassion and accountability 26:11 Closing thoughts: co-create solutions and follow through 27:15 Community invitation and outro What's your biggest challenge with balancing compassion and accountability in your leadership role? Drop it in the comments! Subscribe to this channel for insights on leadership and management. We're also celebrating our 1 year anniversary of our book, "Leadership is Not Automatic"! Get your copy from major bookstores in Singapore or visit https://buildingbetterleaders.co/book ABOUT US: Tang Seok Hian is the founder of IKIGAl Consultancy Services Pte Ltd which specialises in organisation development, leadership training, and coaching. Drawing on more than 25 years of HR and leadership experience, she has taken on various roles ranging from generalist, business partner, regional role, coach, trainer, and consultant. She now works closely with co-founders, business owners, and young leaders to help them scale their leadership and build effective teams. Seok Hian's Ikigai is to help people become better versions of themselves. Kausern Hieu is the Founder and Managing Director of Building Better Leaders which specialises in leadership development for new and middle managers. He is also the co-author of the book, "Leadership is Not Automatic". He previously served as the CEO of a leading influencer and content marketing company in Malaysia, where he led the organization for over eight years. With more than 20 years of experience leading young professionals in the marketing and advertising industries, Kausern believes the fastest way to make a meaningful impact on young people in the workplace is through intentional leadership and human connection. Kausern's Ikigai is to leave people feeling better than when he first met them.