Let’s discuss two different situations. You have two bosses, the first one is very strict and always gives orders to each of the team members, expecting everyone to do exactly as told.

The next one is very relaxed, who behaves very friendly with each team member. This boss rarely talks about rules.

Which boss would you prefer?

But in reality, neither of these bosses is perfect. A good boss needs to be a combination of both. They should be firm when needed but also flexible to adapt to changes at times.

This balance helps to create a happy, productive, and creative team. Let’s find out why this balance is important and how it can be achieved.

What is Effective Leadership?

It’s not enough for a leader to get people to manage the work together, it should be done on time, while making sure that the company targets must also be met.

A successful leader has an important role in setting clear goals and then helping every person on the team use their talents to reach that goal.

All this means is that leaders do not tell people what to do but, more importantly, they help and support them as they work together. By doing so, leaders create a team in which everyone feels worthwhile and motivated. This ultimately leads to better results and more creative ideas.

The Importance of Clear Expectations

In every organisation, having a clear expectation is very crucial. When everyone knows what their job is and what the organisation is expecting from them, they can work better and faster.

Ever felt lost at work, unsure exactly what's expected of you? It turns out, unclear expectations are a recipe for frustration and missed goals. That's why strong leadership revolves on setting clear expectations.

By outlining what success looks like for each task and project, you motivate your team. They'll understand their roles, what good work includes, and how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture. This clarity boosts both job performance and overall happiness within the team.

So, take the time to clearly communicate expectations – it's an investment that pays off in a more productive and satisfied team.

Setting clear expectations doesn’t necessarily mean giving out a set of certain tasks. It means talking openly, giving regular feedback, and being clear about goals.

When team members know what to do and why it matters, they are more likely to enjoy their work and try their best.

The Downside of Being Too Strict

While setting rules is important, being too strict can be a bad idea too. A boss who is always controlling can stop people from being creative and coming up with new ideas. It’s more like playing the same old game over and over again.

It gets boring at times and nobody ever wants to play it again. A team that feels micromanaged will stop caring and lose motivation and hope toward the organisation.

They might follow orders, but they won’t put extra effort into their work. The outcome is that their work will always remain ordinary, there won’t be anything creative and special in it.

Also, a very strict boss might lose their best employees. Talented people always search for opportunities that aid in their growth, share their ideas, and make a difference. If they feel they can’t do that, they might leave for another job. This means the team loses important skills and knowledge.

The Drawbacks of Being Too Laid-Back

Micromanagement stifles creativity, but too much freedom breeds inconsistency. A great leader, like a good coach, trusts their team while offering clear direction. This balance supports individuals to perform better without confusion.

Without clear rules and guidance, team members might not understand what’s most important, when things are due, or what the quality should be.

A boss who doesn't impose rules may find out that their team has trouble staying on track. Deadlines might be neglected, and the quality of work might go down.

In this case, the boss might have to step in more often to fix things, which can be confusing and helpful.

The Secret Sauce of Balancing Firmness and Flexibility

So, what makes a good leader? It’s all about balance. Good leaders know when to be strict and when to be easygoing.

They set clear rules and make sure everyone follows them, but they also trust their team, encourage new ideas, and help people grow.

Here are some strategies for achieving this balance:

1. Set Clear Expectations: Tell your team clearly what you want to achieve and what you expect from them. Make sure everyone knows what their job is. Give feedback often to help everyone stay in the right direction.
2. Make Your Team Stand Out: Great leaders encourage their teams by trusting them to take ownership. Guide them to run with tasks, share their ideas, and propose solutions. This creates a culture of innovation and problem-solving, where everyone feels valued and their contributions matter
3. Be Flexible: Understand that each situation needs a different way of leading. Be ready to change how you lead based on what your team needs and the problems you’re dealing with. Sometimes, you need to be more involved, and other times, it’s better to give your team space.
4. Encourage Growth: Help your team grow further. Give them training, guidance, and chances to get better at their jobs. Support them as they learn and move forward in their careers.
5. Create a Positive Environment: Make a place where everyone feels important and helped. Celebrate when people do well, work together, and talk openly with each other.
6. Lead by Example: Show your team how you want them to act. Be fair, friendly, and always the same. Let them see you follow the same rules you ask them to follow.

Inspiring Vs. Controlling

Being a leader means giving the right support for your team in the right way. It’s not necessarily mean just telling them what to do. It’s about making a place where everyone feels important, supported, and ready to do their best.

When you find the right mix of being clear and flexible, you can make a team that works well together and comes up with new ideas.

Inspiration happens when there’s mutual trust and respect. When your team sees that you believe in them and help them grow, they will work hard and be loyal to your organisation. They will feel brave to try new things, share ideas, and do great work.

But too much control can make people unhappy and not want to work hard. If your team feels like you’re always watching and limiting them, they might not try new things or do more than what’s asked.

What makes a great leader? It’s someone who sets clear rules and also helps their team come up with new ideas. The best leaders find a good mix of both. They change how they lead to match what their team needs and what the job needs.

They are strong when they need to be, but also helpful and kind at times. They make a place where everyone feels safe and happy to work.

Being a good leader is all about finding the right balance. It is very important for leaders to give clear instructions, let their team make decisions, while maintaining a positive workplace.

When leaders build trust and respect among team members, they are more likely to feel confident to share their ideas and work hard for the organisation. A great leader should maintain a perfect balance between being strict and relaxed.

When to be strong and when to be supportive. They make sure everyone feels safe. They also motivate their team to do their work well. This balance helps teams succeed and feel good about what they achieve together.

Think about the best leader you ever had. What qualities did they possess that made them an effective leader? How can you apply those qualities to your own leadership style?