dispatches from the new world of work

Toughness Does Not Preclude Decency

I applaud "toughmindedness." It's a requirement—especially in difficult times. But tough does not preclude graciousness in all its manifestations. Probably the most toughminded exec I've ever met is Milliken & Co.'s Roger Milliken. On the other hand, the South Carolina-based (Spartanburg) chief never fails to be a man of graceful behavior. At least in my experience.

Tom Peters posted this on 12/15/09.

Comments

Beautiful! Thanks, Tom! Grace is good. Toughmindedness too! Why is it that we have the need to catergorize people, often according to our own lack. The best leaders are toughminded and show grace. Mother Teresa is not thought of as a business woman, but she most certainly was, running a charity in the hundreds of millions and raising money like many others are incapable of doing. You have to be toughminded to do so, no matter the cause or business.

Posted by Judith Ellis at December 15, 2009 9:13 AM

Tom, good example and insight.

Toughness without decency is abuse.

Posted by Randy Bosch at December 15, 2009 1:36 PM

As a martial artist and businessman I would argue that toughness is about respect, sensitivity and openess.

Thanks for this.

All the best from Brighton,

Mark

Training Blog- http://integrationtraining.blogspot.com/

Posted by Stress Training Mark at December 15, 2009 2:51 PM

It's funny that people see these as opposites. I see them as complimentry. Like tough love for your children.

A good example is being honest and upfront about your expectations even if they are tough - people then know what is expected - that is decent and respectful. Just being harsh on people for not living upto things they didn't know they had to live upto is just bullying.

I think it has a lot to do with style - a good leader can adapt the style (but not the tough message)to the audience

Posted by PaulH at December 16, 2009 2:25 AM