Results or People? 

As leaders, we’re often presented with a subtle—but dangerous—dilemma:
 Should I prioritize delivering results or supporting my people?

The truth is, this either/or framing is a not the healthiest way to make choices in your leadership.

In thriving organizations, strong results stem from strong relationships. When leaders foster trust, navigate conflict effectively, and set clear expectations with accountability, people don’t just feel better—they perform better.  It’s not people instead of performance; it’s people driving performance.

I’ve worked with leaders who were laser-focused on hitting quarterly targets—but their teams were exhausted, disengaged, and quietly preparing to leave. I’ve also seen leaders who were so focused on harmony that they avoided difficult conversations, letting standards slip. In both cases, something vital was missing: balance.

What if we stopped asking, “Results or people?” and instead asked, “How can I support my team in producing meaningful results—sustainably?”

Here are three ways to shift your leadership lens:

  1. Be clear on outcomes—and flexible on how.
    Set clear expectations but empower your team to bring their own strengths and creativity to the process.
  2. Check in, not check out.
    Regular one-on-ones that go beyond task lists create space for feedback, growth, and connection. Don’t just ask what’s getting done—ask how your people are doing.
  3. Model sustainable success.
     Burnout is not a badge of honor. Show your team that rest, boundaries, and balance are part of long-term effectiveness.

When we care for people and hold them to a high standard, we’re not compromising—we’re leading. The most effective leaders understand that people are not a distraction from performance. They’re the key to it.

This month, I challenge you to reflect on these two things:

  1. Where am I leaning too far into results at the expense of people—or vice versa? 
  2. What is one small shift that would bring greater balance?

Sheeba Varghese

 

Where has Sheeba been lately?

Last week, I had the privilege of facilitating a leadership training in Tulsa, Oklahoma — and it was such a joy to be in the room with dedicated professionals committed to growing themselves and others. These moments are a reminder that leadership isn’t just a concept — it’s something we practice, together, in real time.

  

 

Leadership Spotlight: Hannah Grace Coles- Founder of BeYOUtiful  

At just 10 years old, Hannah Grace Coles launched BeYOUtiful, a nonprofit that creates self-care bags for girls in foster care. Each bag is filled with items like journals, hygiene products, affirmations, and thoughtful notes — all with one message: You are seen. You matter.

What started as a class project quickly grew into a national movement. Hannah now speaks at schools and youth conferences about confidence, empathy, and giving back — all while continuing to grow her organization with the help of volunteers and donors.

Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about age — it’s about action.

Learn more about Hannah at: www.beyoutifulfoundation.org

 

 

Staying Productive (Without Burning Out):

When demands rise, productivity can feel like a sprint — but true leadership requires sustainable momentum.

This month, reflect on what fuels your daily rhythm. Are you prioritizing what matters? Taking care of your mind and body? Recognizing small wins along the way?

Use this roadmap to help ground your day-to-day leadership with intention. Because when leaders model balance and focus, their teams follow suit.

Remember: productivity isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters, well. 

 

Leadership Resource: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stainer

 

If you're looking for ways to support your team and drive better results—without micromanaging, check out this helpful resource! The Coaching Habit gives leaders simple, practical tools to lead with curiosity. Through just seven core questions, you’ll learn how to have more effective conversations, empower others, and stay focused on what matters most. 

  

 

Sheeba Varghese is a strategic partner for your talent development solutions and the author of Confidence, Clarity & Ease: A Guide For Emerging Leaders To Thrive. Her passion is to inspire and equip men and women to lead with excellence and authenticity within the spheres of influence that they are called to impact in life. The spheres may be in a home, on a team, in a classroom, among partners in a firm, or within management, to name a few.

Sheeba works with: 

Senior Leaders and professionals who want to develop stronger leadership skills, have impact, and move forward in their careers

Teams who want to work cohesively within their organizations

Coaches who want to renew or apply for certification with ICF

If you want to improve your leadership skills, transition from managing to leading, ensure your team is amazingly successful, increase your self-awareness, and progress your career, or aspire to be a masterful coach for your clients, then Sheeba would love to support you. She works with clients globally, both face-to-face, by phone, or by Zoom.

In her time apart from clients, Sheeba enjoys time with her husband, Santosh, and their 2 sons, Sam and Steven. She loves great movies, a good book, decorating, and dining at the wonderful restaurants in the Bay Area.