Profiles In Leadership - Taking The Right Steps

• Declining Standards : When you tolerate underperformance, it sends a message that mediocrity is acceptable, which can lower overall performance and expectations. • Frustration Among High Performers : Employees who consistently meet or exceed expectations may become demotivated when they perceive that others are not held to the same standards. • Weakened Organizational Culture : Avoiding accountability erodes the organization’s commitment to excellence and integrity, creating a culture where responsibility is undervalued. To cultivate a strong culture of accountability, leaders must directly confront performance issues while balancing empathy with clarity. Addressing challenges head-on not only reinforces standards but also demonstrates a commitment to fairness and growth. As Qin (2022) points out, avoiding accountability — especially in high-stakes situations — can exacerbate challenges and lead to long-term consequences. Leaders who advocate for accountability, no matter how uncomfortable it may be, are better positioned to foster trust and achieve organizational success. Leaders who embrace accountability during tough times are more likely to build trust and secure long-term success for the organization. Reference: Qin, C. (2022). Blame avoidance of street-level bureaucrats in 5G NIMBY crisis decision making: Evidence from a list experiment. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction , 76 , 103033.

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