According to DDI’s 2023 global leadership forecast, the top skills of leaders who boost engagement, retain great employees and create cultures that thrive is interpersonal communication skills. When it comes to interpersonal communication skills, one of the most common questions we get asked is, “How do you balance kindness, care and concern with attention to outcomes?” Everyone struggles with this tension. Yet, it’s the holy grail for safe, thriving cultures. Here’s the conundrum. Compassion without accountability gets you nowhere. Accountability without compassion gets you alienated. You can’t win if you pick sides, and trying to perform a balancing act between them is no better. The good news is that leaders no longer have to choose. Nate Regier, PhD, is the CEO and founder of Next Element Consulting, a global leadership consulting and training firm helping build cultures of compassionate accountability. Dr. Regier is a former practicing psychologist and expert in social-emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication, conflict skills, and leadership. Nate is a sought-after keynote presenter, recognized as a Top 100 keynote speaker. Nate is the author of four books: Beyond Drama; Conflict without Casualties; Seeing People Through; and his newest book, Compassionate Accountability. He hosts a podcast called “On Compassion with Dr. Nate,” writes a weekly blog, contributes to multiple industry publications, and is a regular guest on podcasts. Topics [00:04:44] "Compassionate accountability – not opposites" [00:06:57] Compassion mindset values people's capabilities, responsibilities. [00:11:28] Value switch: affirm experiences, separate person, vulnerability. [00:15:00] Leaders feel alone; Mastermind combats it. [00:17:02] Compassion and vulnerability create transformation in community. [00:21:48] Maximize capability through curiosity and investment. [00:27:13] Prescription for leaders: empathize, learn, aspire. [00:31:05] Accountability vs responsibility for leaders and teams. [00:34:22] Middle managers have limited control management advice. For the full show notes be sure to check out our website: https://leaddontboss.com/265