There are many ways to achieve exceptional results at work, but one of the main things we need to do is build up our critical people skills. And one of the best skills we can develop as leaders is the capacity to hold others accountable, while also expressing empathy — holding ourselves and others to a high standard without burning any relationship bridges. This is not easy, especially in the current work world with generational differences, stress over racial disparities, and increasingly low tolerance for mistakes. When errors happen, some may want to “teach them a lesson,” flexing rank-muscles or express our disappointment. But all these reactions will not get us the results we want. A proven method to secure accountability — especially when things are stressful or mistakes have been made — is to lead with empathy. But how can we do that, when we have a mixture of feelings inside?
IQC — in partnership with the Performance Excellence Network and the Wisconsin Center for Performance Excellence — is pleased to host a special online workshop: “Want Accountability? Start with Empathy: Proven Strategies for Managers, Supervisors and Stressed Leaders.” The session is Wednesday, February 4 from 8:30-12:00 and will be facilitated by Tom Esch.
This engaging presentation will cover the “how to” of some of the most powerful work leaders will ever do: hold others to a high standard of performance excellence while maintaining positive relational connections.
Take Aways:
- Understanding why accountability is so challenging, especially now
- Three proven methods for holding others accountable
- How to better understand and manage the feelings that won’t motivate others
- Practical ways to grow your capacity to express empathy
- Simple ways to build trust within your work culture
The biggest driver of organizational excellence is effective leadership. So as we wind down the year and look forward to a productive, successful 2026, invest in yourself and your team and consider attending this powerful workshop.
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Facilitator Biography
Tom Esch, President of Esch Consulting, LLC has inspired more than 25,000 people with his unique and engaging messages related to communication, leadership and culture change. Esch has a proven track record as a trainer and keynote speaker. He is inspiring, challenging and entertaining.
He has conducted highly reviewed full day trainings and morning and evening events for PMI chapters, Institute for Internal Auditors (IIA), the International Institute of Business Analysts (IIBA), The Performance Excellence Network (PEN) and many other associations since 2012.
He is willing to address challenging interpersonal and organizational situations. He has heart for people on the margins, including lonely leaders, frustrated managers and supervisors of all stripes.
He has two master’s degrees, one in “Conflict Resolution” and the other in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He is a former minister and has spent 23 years in the construction industry as a salesman, trainer, coach, and culture change consultant.
He has published an award winning book called Personal Accountability and POWER: How Contractors Can Build a Stronger Safety Culture. It got “Best New Release” on Amazon.
In the daytime he is a leadership development consultant. At night he is Fr. Vito Incognido, stand-up comic.
Tom@EschConsulting.com www.EschConsulting.com
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"Tom delivered his speech with great enthusiasm and professionalism tailored with loads of humor. I would recommend Tom for any speaking opportunities."
– Shrima Karthik, VP of Professional Development, PMI Central Illinois Chapter
"Tom, please allow me to express my gratitude for the session you delivered to our faithful PMI-SNC Chapter members. The feedback we received was reflective of your charming persona, your varied experience, and your engaging delivery. Our sincere thank you!"
– Parmjit (Pam) Kaur, VP Programs, PMI Southern Nevada Chapter
“I have never seen more attendee participation at one of our training events.”
– IIA Central Illinois
“Thanks Tom for everything you taught us. You helped me make some important changes that made a real difference.”
– Sarah Sundine, Project Manager, Minnesota
“Tom was the keynote speaker at our People-Centric Skills Conference in Miami. His session on Courageous Dialogue was captivating; our audience was amazed at how entertaining and dynamic he was.”
– Janine Wolman, ADT, Miami, Florida
