Nice Guy or Tyrant?

What is the best approach to leadership in a team environment? How do you balance the fine line?

It’s not easy if you ask me. Therein lies one of the most challenging balancing acts that a leader must walk.

I know lots of people on both sides of this fence. I have friends and colleagues who are very well liked by their staff and go out of their way to befriend each and every person on their team. Then I know others who lead their companies with a heavy hand and rule every aspect of the operation.

So which is the better approach? I say a blend of the two. Is it easily done? I say no. In fact, it is probably one of the toughest things I deal with when it comes to leading and managing my business.

I have always had the approach that I want to lead my team to the vision that was set out for our company years ago – to expand into multiple locations nationwide with Green Village Home & Garden stores. I want to lead my team there by building a positive and pleasant work environment where people want to come to work each day. I have always given people lots of latitude to make decision and experiment when it comes to their work. As long as we were moving forward towards our goals, I gave lots of freedom to those on the team who show initiative.

However lately I think I’ve been maybe a little too loose. I think I have been giving a little too much freedom and it’s affecting the company. I think it’s time I start reigning in some of the control and decision making and start holding people more accountable . What I’m finding is that if I give too much freedom, certain things start falling off the tracks and we start to lose focus on what our end goals are. If I don’t start leading a little more forcefully, the company could become distracted and head down a road I don’t want it to.

I heard a quote once; “As a leader it’s more important to be respected, than be liked by your team”. I think it’s time I start gaining some respect, even if it comes at the cost of being liked.

Personally, I find this balance to be challenging. I’d love to hear how you lead your company and your staff.