10 Leadership tips in 10 years - Lesson 6 - I Don’t Want Them to Hate Me: Leading with care and accountability

Episode 6: “I Don’t Want Them to Hate Me – Leading With Care and Accountability” Have you ever put off a tough conversation because you didn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings—or worse, have them stop liking you? You’re not alone. In this episode, Leeza Browne unpacks one of the most confronting tensions every leader faces: how to lead with heart without losing accountability. Drawing from her upcoming book The Resilient Leader, Leeza shares: The personal story that taught her why comfort isn’t kindness. The psychology behind why we avoid accountability—and how empathy can become our biggest trap. The hidden costs of avoidance that quietly corrode culture and trust. The Three C’s of Accountable Leadership—Clarity, Consistency & Care. A real client transformation that proves accountability builds respect, not resentment. A short “Try This Tomorrow” challenge to help you put it into action immediately. You’ll also hear a quick science spotlight from Harvard research showing that regular accountability check-ins raise psychological safety by 28 percent—and a simple breathing moment to pause, reflect, and reset your leadership tone. Whether you’re an owner balancing multiple services or a director leading your first team, this conversation will help you trade “nice-boss” habits for the calm confidence of a leader who is both kind and clear.