You've spent your career learning to lead with empathy. So why does holding someone accountable feel like the opposite of everything that training built in you? Spoiler: it's not the opposite. It's the next level. And the conversation you've been avoiding might actually be the most empathetic thing you can do.

I was promoted in my early twenties to lead a team whose average age was over 45. I did what most new leaders do: I performed my expertise loudly and enthusiastically. It did not go well. Here's what I learned from an ugly cry and a very honest friend.