Compassionate Accountability - by Nate Regier (Paperback)

About the Book

"This book is a compass for leaders lost in the paradoxical space between being compassionate and holding people accountable. Compassion and accountability have generally been considered at odds with each other in the management space. Solely prioritizing accountability can create toxic work environments that result in the loss of top talent. On the other end of the pendulum, being overly compassionate leaves a vacuum around attention to results. Compassionate Accountability reveals the truth behind, and provides an actionable framework for, six common myths surrounding compassion: Compassion is empathy in action; Compassion is about alleviating suffering; Compassion is soft; Compassion is for selfless servant leaders; Some people just have it; Compassion and accountability are opposites. Finding harmony between compassion and accountability leads to improved results and a thriving culture because the fact is, true compassion can't exist without accountability"--

Book Synopsis

A compass for leaders lost in the paradoxical space between attention to people and attention to results--with Compassionate Accountability you don't have to choose!

Sadly, compassion and accountability are too often in tension--leaders feel they have to pick one or the other. But solely prioritizing accountability can create toxic work environments that drive away good talent. On the other end of the spectrum, being too nice can compromise performance and productivity.

Finding harmony between compassion and accountability is the ultimate catalyst for improved results and a thriving workplace.

The solution is recognizing that compassion and accountability are not opposites. In fact, accountability is an element of compassion. Compassionate Accountability is the process of building connection while getting results. This book shows how this foundational mindset, philosophy, and way of living can lead to a thriving organizational culture. It covers such topics as these:

• Why you can't practice compassion without accountability
• How to turn on the three "switches" of the compassion mindset--and the predictable damaging consequences when they're turned off
• The key role Compassionate Accountability plays in a healthy leadership culture
• Six areas to focus on to start building your culture of Compassionate Accountability
• Five common barriers to compassion for leaders--and how to overcome them

Plus, readers will find real case examples of how organizations have adopted Compassionate Accountability, along with quizzes and self-assessments to help them learn and apply the concepts.

Leaders seeking a renewed sense of fulfillment in their roles and increased leadership impact will find inspiration, guidance, and a road map for cultural transformation.

Review Quotes

"Compassion might sound soft. But it's actually hard--both difficult to master and essential in business. Compassionate Accountability is a bracing corrective to our misperceptions about this trait and a practical guide for deepening anyone's leadership capabilities."
--Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret, Drive, and To Sell Is Human

"The servant leadership movement just got a big boost with Dr. Regier's new book, Compassionate Accountability. Nate captures the essence of what it means to lead others with humility and kindness while keeping a laser focus on results. If you are ready to upgrade your leadership mindset and skill set, this book is a must-read!"
--Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The New One Minute Manager and Servant Leadership in Action

"Nate Regier demystifies compassion in leadership and helps make it practical. This is a fantastic playbook for helping change work from the inside out."
--Scott Shute, former Head of Mindfulness and Compassion Programs, LinkedIn, and author of The Full Body Yes

"Tribes that have a just cause and purpose have a competitive advantage in good and not-so-good times. Compassionate Accountability distills the essence of what matters most and guides any leader, team, or company on how to build a culture that can flourish even during times of struggle."
--Garry Ridge, The Culture Coach and Chairman Emeritus, WD-40 Company

"Dr. Nate Regier's latest book is a must read for anyone who is in a leadership role, aspiring to take on a leadership role, or trying to improve themselves, their team, or their entire organization today. In a world that seems more focused on judging, blaming and fault-finding, Nate's approach is a breath of fresh air! Compassionate Accountability is not another theory but an actionable process for mindfulness, social and emotional intelligence, leadership agility, inclusion, presence, healthy conflict, and resiliency. Nate brings his over 40 years of executive coaching experience following his stakeholder-centered coaching, as Nate calls it, to bear in the creation of Compassionate Accountability. He guides us each step of the way, from the evolution of compassion and how compassion and accountability are complementary, to the model of The Compassionate Mindset (turning on the VCR - Value, Capability, and Responsibility switches), to building a culture of Compassionate Accountability, including real world examples of organizations that have implemented this mindset successfully throughout the company starting at the very top. Nate even includes a section on overcoming the perceived barriers that are often associated with compassion, particularly in the workplace. If you are truly serious about transforming yourself, your team, your entire organization then Compassion Accountability is for you!
--Jeff Hayes, President and CEO, The Myers-Briggs Company

About the Author

Nate Regier, PhD, is the CEO and founding owner of Next Element Consulting, a global leadership firm dedicated to bringing compassion into the workplace. Regier is a former practicing psychologist and expert in social-emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication, and leadership. Recognized as a top 100 keynote speaker, he is a Process Communication Model certified master trainer. He is also the author or coauthor of three books: Beyond Drama: Transcending Energy Vampires, Conflict without Casualties: A Field Guide for Leading with Compassionate Accountability, and his newest book, Seeing People Through: Unleash Your Leadership Potential with the Process Communication Model.