It's OK to be Tough as Long as You're Fair

If I were to list the Bill Byrne "Rules Of Supervision,” the first one would be the title of this Habit. 

There is always a job to be done, and you have every right to expect that it gets done. Employees want leaders who provide guidelines and standards that delineate expectations. They also prefer a leader they know they can count on in difficult situations. Someone who is decent, dependable, and fair. 

I asked an executive secretary how she liked working for her boss. Her answer was surprising. "I love it," she responded. "I have to work hard, but I always know what he expects. His consistency is important to me." Indeed, one of the primary requirements of effective supervision is clarifying the agenda, "grabbing order out of chaos." 

Ask for a hard day's work. Good people don't mind. Many prefer it. But do it fairly. Ask the same from everyone. No politics, no favorites. Clear the non-performers out to make room for achievers to grow deeper roots. 

At times, toughness is a required characteristic. People are attracted to organizations led by individuals seen as competent and caring, individuals who know where they are going. People respect leaders who possess fair-minded toughness. Toughness is tolerable when fairness is its partner.