Why “Being Nice” Isn’t Leadership (And What Real Leaders Do Instead)
📎 Read the original story from the Wall Street Journal
There’s a shift happening in leadership — and it’s not about turning cold. It’s about getting clear.
Nice Bosses Say “It’s Fine.”
Great Leaders Say “Here’s What Needs to Change.”
When leaders avoid uncomfortable feedback, they think they’re protecting morale.
But in reality?
Silence signals indifference. Lack of clarity undermines trust.
If you’re afraid to tell someone where they’re falling short, you’re not being nice — you’re being unclear.
✅ Related Read: The Secret to High-Performing Teams: Set Higher Expectations
Nice Bosses Say “Yes” to Everything.
Great Leaders Protect Focus Like It’s Gold.
Trying to say yes to every initiative, every request, every meeting?
That’s not kindness. That’s chaos.
Leaders who protect their team’s time and energy create the space for meaningful, creative work.
A scattered team isn’t a productive team. And it’s on you to enforce the boundaries that make focus possible.
✅ Related Read: How to Stay Accessible Without Burning Out
Nice Bosses Avoid Conflict.
Great Leaders Lean Into It (Skillfully).
Conflict is inevitable — but avoidance? That’s optional.
The best leaders step into difficult conversations with empathy and clarity, knowing they’re often the catalyst for growth.
✅ Related Read: How to Coach Without Micromanaging
Nice Bosses Want to Be Liked.
Great Leaders Aim to Be Respected.
Being liked is easy.
Being respected takes courage — especially when you’re delivering hard feedback, making unpopular decisions, or holding the bar high when everyone else wants to lower it.
Leadership isn’t a popularity contest. It’s a responsibility.
✅ Related Read: Servant Leadership in High-Growth Environments
So What’s the Balance?
Clarity + Kindness. Direction + Support. High Bar + High Trust.
The most successful leaders today aren’t yelling from the top of the org chart.
They’re setting bold expectations, coaching with empathy, and showing up consistently.
That’s the new leadership standard.
Final Thought: Leadership Isn’t About Being Liked — It’s About Making Others Better
Your team doesn’t need you to sugarcoat things.
They need you to care enough to challenge them.
To tell the truth early.
To raise the bar and help them reach it.
Want to Build a Leadership Model That Balances Support With Standards?
