Intelligent leaders understand that effective leadership requires them to be both strict and easy-going. Effective leaders are empathic and understanding but not weak. They set clear goals and expectations and hold their employees accountable. Tough leaders don’t play the blame game and praise those who deserve it.

“Leadership grows like tall trees. It needs both toughness and flexibility.” – Amit Ray.

The art of leadership coaching never fails to point out that leadership is about more than rallying a group of people to achieve specific objectives. True leadership inspires people to become better, more effective, and more successful. Good leaders demonstrate support and empathy, helping their followers’ careers.

 

A leader supports, inspires, and earns respect.

 

The Balance Between Strict and Easy-Going Leadership Styles

Combining strict and easy-going traits is crucial for effective leadership. Balancing these qualities will allow you to adapt to various situations, motivate your team, and maintain discipline without becoming authoritarian or overly lenient.

A balanced approach offers significant benefits. It provides flexibility, enhances motivation, and ensures discipline. Leaders who can seamlessly switch between being strict and easygoing are better equipped to handle different challenges, inspire their teams, and drive consistent performance.

 

The Benefits of Strict Leadership Style

Strict leadership has several advantages that contribute to the success of a team and organization. Firstly, it sets clear expectations. When team members know precisely what is expected of them, a strict manager eliminates ambiguity, fostering a sense of direction and purpose. High standards ensure that everyone works towards the same goals with consistent quality.

 

How to be a Strict Leader

There are three key principles for strict leadership:

1. Accountability: Strict leaders hold their employees accountable, ensuring everyone is responsible for their actions and contributions. This accountability fosters a culture of reliability and performance.
2. Respect and Trust: Effective leadership toughness is built on well-earned respect and trust. It is not about fear but about creating an environment where employees trust their leaders’ decisions and fairness.
3. Transparency, Predictability, and Fairness: Tough leaders are transparent in their decision-making processes, predictable in their actions, and fair in their treatment of team members. This approach builds a stable and trustworthy work environment.

Strict leaders enforce rules and maintain standards to ensure employees are responsible for their actions and performance. Overall, strict leadership can drive high performance and consistency.

 

The Kind of Toughness Intelligent Leadership Requires

Leaders should clearly communicate their expectations to the workforce and hold employees accountable. In my executive coaching books, I have insisted on the importance of accountability and transparency.

When employees are aware of their tasks, the procedures, and the deadlines, they are expected to meet the set standards.

Strict leaders are not authoritarian. They are tough yet fair.

Strict and intelligent leaders know what their employees need to perform and see their leaders as sources of motivation rather than intimidation.

When making important decisions, consider these four key elements you need to be mindful of in your leadership style:

• Purpose. Everyone needs a purpose to motivate themselves. Intelligent leaders know how to give their employees purpose.
• Praise. Meaningful praise is a precious commodity in human relationships. Recognizing good work is a powerful driver of motivation.
• Respect. Intelligent leaders demand respect from employees and treat them with the same respect. Tough leaders can show respect by being predictable about their goals and communicating respectfully and thoroughly.
• The willingness to get to know team members. Intelligent leaders understand their employees have differing aspirations, motivations, and capabilities. 

Traits of a Tough, Intelligent Leader

Heavy-handed leadership, drawing its essence from authority and toughness, can rally people to achieve limited goals, though it is a losing long-term proposition for leaders, employees, and organizations.

Aspiring leaders should never confuse toughness with unbridled autocracy. Effective leadership toughness doesn’t aim to intimidate or sow fear. It predicates its existence upon well-earned respect and trust. It defines itself through transparency, predictability, and fairness.

Intelligent leadership requires mature, kind, strong, bold, empathic, and humble leaders. Being a good leader means striking and maintaining a delicate balance between strictness and flexibility.

Honest and transparent communication is key to being an effective leader, and understanding your leadership style helps you communicate effectively with your team.

Good leaders are not bureaucratic leaders or autocratic leaders. Outer-core leadership traits such as the ability to make tough decisions through critical thinking and emotional leadership, they foster a work environment where everyone can thrive. Such servant leaders can work alongside dedicated employees to push them out of their comfort zones and champion their daily tasks.

 

When Does Leadership Call for Toughness? 

Intelligent leaders exist in a permanent state of balance between inspiring reports and demanding their best work. Sometimes, situations arise that require leadership toughness to be resolved.

 

A leader must show strength. 

There are certain scenarios where toughness is an especially beneficial trait:

• Tough leaders handle setbacks better. Times of crisis call for tough leadership. Strict leaders can compensate for setbacks by realigning organizational objectives. They absorb setbacks better, learn their lessons, and move on.
• Strict leaders find it easier to say “no.” Although saying “no” is difficult for a leader and impossible for a soft leader, it is what leaders sometimes need to do to facilitate solutions to problems. Strict leaders tackle difficult decisions zealously and do not let conflicts simmer.
• Tough leaders are quick to provide constructive feedback. A strict leader is more likely to communicate clear expectations and offer relevant feedback to employees than a soft one. Tough leaders are less likely to play the blame game.

Easy Going Leadership Style

A relaxed approach that fosters a positive and supportive work environment characterizes easy-going leadership. This style encourages open communication, creativity, and a sense of camaraderie among team members.

Easy-going leaders can be effective leaders if they prioritize creating an atmosphere where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking risks without fear of harsh repercussions.

Easy-going leadership’s primary advantage is its ability to enhance employee motivation and creativity. By promoting a supportive environment, this leadership style helps team members feel valued and respected, which can lead to higher levels of engagement and innovation.

A democratic leader with an effective leadership style can choose to be easygoing. Employees who feel their contributions are appreciated and encouraged are likelier to take the initiative and contribute unique solutions.

 

Challenges of Lenient and Easy-Going Leader

Despite its benefits, easy-going leadership has its drawbacks. One significant challenge is the potential perception of leniency and the need for more structure.

Without clear boundaries and expectations, the work environment can become disorganized, leading to inconsistent performance and a lack of accountability.

 

The Consequences of Leadership Softness

Transformational leaders with intelligent leadership styles cannot afford to go soft. Business coaching professionals understand the risks and drawbacks of lacking toughness and advise against it. Although easy-going leaders perform well in some regards, their lack of toughness erodes their abilities to lead over time.

• Soft leaders find it impossible to earn their peers’ and employees’ respect and trust.
• Nice leaders and managers have to “mop up” after their reports who don’t do proper work.
• Soft leaders find themselves avoiding conflict and dealing with difficult problems.
• Nice leaders may not hold their reports accountable, leading to underperformance.
• Leaders perceived as weak become mere extras in the designs of their more assertive peers.
• Soft leaders can’t stand up for their teams.

Practical Tips for Finding Your Own Leadership Style

Balanced leadership helps motivate employees and achieve better organizational results. You can achieve the right mix of toughness and empathy by nurturing your inner core—values, character, and beliefs—and your outer core—leadership skills and competencies.

This combination fosters a productive and positive work environment essential for effective leadership. Here are four practical tips to help you find and develop your own leadership style:

1. Self-Assessment – Understanding your personal tendencies and areas for improvement is crucial for effective leadership. Self-assessment allows you to identify your natural leadership style and pinpoint areas that need development. By reflecting on your strengths and weaknesses and turning your leadership weaknesses into strengths, you can create a roadmap for becoming a better leader.
2. Utilizing Executive Coaching Tools – I have developed several tools to help leaders assess and enhance their leadership capabilities. These tools, such as the Strategic-Tactical Leadership Index™ (STLI) and the Mattone Leadership Enneagram Inventory (MLEI), provide valuable insights into your leadership style and areas for improvement.
3. Developing Flexibility – One key aspect of effective leadership is the ability to adapt one’s style to different contexts.Flexibility allows one to respond to various situations with the appropriate mix of strictness and ease. Strategies for developing flexibility include actively seeking feedback, observing other successful leaders, and practicing different leadership approaches in various scenarios.
4. Continuous Learning – Leadership is a continuous journey of growth and development. Engaging in leadership coaching and seeking regular feedback is essential for refining your leadership style. Coaching provides personalized guidance and support, helping you navigate challenges and improve your skills.

 

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