“Toughness and empathy are not incompatible.”

The Laws of Human Nature, Chapter 15, The Law of Fickleness

Explanation

We are frequently led to believe that effective leadership is based purely around toughness.

John D. Rockefeller, for example, is often remembered for his relentlessly aggressive tendencies.

Without this tenacity, Standard Oil would have likely failed to monopolise the oil industry, people say.

Steve Jobs, for example, is often remembered for the way in which he erratically brutalised various employees.

Without this maniacal pursuit of perfection, Apple would not be the company it is today, some would claim.

Many of us hear these stories and instantly presume such leaders were effective solely due to their potent ruthlessness.

And so we attempt to emulate such ferocity.

Whilst toughness is certainly an important trait for effective leadership, relying on this attribute alone would be to miss the true role of an impressive leader.