This is part 16 of a series of 18 articles I wrote for Entrepreneur.com.

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There’s a persistent myth that supportive workplaces sacrifice productivity. That empathy and accountability are on opposite ends of a spectrum. They’re not. They’re the same end.

The real trade-off isn’t support or performance — it’s obstacle removal or obstacle preparation. Leaders who clear every hurdle create dependent teams. Leaders who teach their teams to anticipate and navigate challenges create resilient ones.

It starts with a simple distinction: what can you control, and what can’t you control? Hold people accountable for the first, support them through the second. Leave early if traffic is predictable. Have a backup plan if a vendor flakes. Set expectations up front so people can meet them, and build resilience by letting them practice before the stakes are high.

Read the full article on Entrepreneur.com

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Previously: Mission vs. Money | Next up: Teen Tantrums Made Me a Better Boss