Your team needs leadership guidance. How can you help a leader balance empathy and performance expectations?

Ao equilibrar empatia e expectativas de desempenho, um líder cria um ambiente de trabalho que promove o crescimento individual e coletivo, ao mesmo tempo em que estimula a excelência e a produtividade. Estabeleça expectativas de desempenho de forma transparente e forneça feedback construtivo regularmente, mantendo sempre canais de comunicação abertos para que os colaboradores saibam o que é esperado deles.

Balancing empathy and performance expectations starts with leading with empathy. Understand your team members' perspectives and challenges. When a team is heard and supported, they are more likely to be motivated and productive. Empathy fosters trust and a positive work environment, which is essential for team cohesion. Regularly check in with your team, listen actively, and show genuine concern for their well-being. This leads to improved morale and higher engagement. Prioritizing empathy creates a foundation where performance expectations can be met with a motivated and resilient team.

The quickest way to diffuse a situation is for both parties to understand where the other is coming from. However, that doesn't always resolve the situation. One of Steven Covey's 7 Habits is to seek fist to understand where the other person is coming from. When you are able to see and validate where they're coming from, you're better equipped to address the situation and to understand how to best deliver constructive feedback.

Set clear objectives for your team. Ensure everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and goals. Clarity reduces confusion and provides a sense of direction. When expectations are transparent, team members can align their efforts more effectively. Pair this clarity with regular updates and adjustments based on feedback and performance. Clear objectives coupled with empathy can drive teams to meet their goals without feeling overwhelmed. Providing a roadmap helps maintain focus and accountability, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Reconheça e valorize o esforço de cada colaborador de forma única e independente e do mesmo modo, celebre as conquistas individuais e coletivas. Reconhecendo o trabalho, contribuições, engajamento individual e resultados, não deixe de demonstrar real interesse no crescimento e bem-estar dos colaboradores, incentivando a buscar oportunidades de aprendizado e desenvolvimento, assim, você fortalece a motivação e o engajamento no cumprimento das expectativas de desempenho e promove o sentimento de pertencimento.

Balancing results with relationships is difficult. But by staying focused on resolving issues rather than reforming individuals, leaders can keep their eye on what’s important. The problem and person need not merge.

Delivering constructive feedback is crucial for balancing empathy and performance expectations. When giving feedback, focus on specific behaviors and outcomes rather than personal attributes. Use a supportive tone and offer solutions or suggestions for improvement. This helps team members feel valued and understood while also understanding areas for growth. Constructive feedback encourages a culture of continuous improvement and learning. Regularly scheduled feedback sessions can help maintain this balance, promoting both personal and professional development. Emphasizing strengths along with areas for improvement fosters a growth mindset.

Developing and applying emotional intelligence (EI) can help balance empathy and performance expectations. EI involves recognizing and managing your emotions and those of others. High EI enables you to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, resolve conflicts, and build strong relationships. By being attuned to your team's emotional needs, you can better support them while maintaining performance standards. Encourage open communication and create an environment where emotions can be expressed constructively. Training in EI can enhance your leadership capabilities, making you more effective in guiding your team towards success while maintaining a supportive atmosphere.

Esteja aberto a ajustar as expectativas de desempenho conforme necessário, levando em consideração mudanças nas circunstâncias ou necessidades dos colaboradores, demonstrando sensibilidade às questões pessoais que possam influenciar o trabalho.