𝗔re 𝗬ou a 𝗞indergarten 𝗢r 𝗗arth 𝗩ader 𝗟eader?

You don’t build a strong team by being liked.

And you don’t build one by being feared, either.

But these are the two traps leaders fall into all the time:

→ The Kindergarten Model

Be nice. Keep the peace.

Don’t hurt anyone’s feelings.

Sounds good, until no one grows and no one speaks up.

(I’ve been there. I avoided hard feedback… and ended up firing someone for a mistake that could’ve been avoided.)

→ The Darth Vader Model

Bark orders. Control everything. Rule through fear.

This doesn’t build strong teams either, just silence.

People hide problems, withhold ideas, and stop showing up fully.

Neither model builds trust.
Neither model sparks innovation.
Neither creates the culture you actually need.

Real leadership? It's...

Honesty + empathy + humility
All guided by bravery

Creating a space where people can speak up, mess up, and still grow.

If you want to build an enterprising culture…

Stop trying to be the nice guy.
Stop trying to be the tough guy.

Start being brave.


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