Vicki Anderson

I was on an airplane today and enjoyed the flight attendant who entertained us during the safety presentation and guess what–almost everyone watched. Now, this was a regional jet for an American partner, not Southwest. It was highly unusual and fun. He actually put on the mask and then acted like he couldn’t breathe. He got out a cigarette and then put it away. He made buckling the seatbeat funny like an old Art Carney routine (for those of you who are too young to know what that means, it’s too bad).

I began to think about how it is a fine line between having fun and being silly, or between being professional and being stuffy, or between being a leader who cares and being too soft. It’s all a matter of perspective based on the situation, the person, the need at the time, and of course, the effectiveness of the approach. I think all great leaders who are worth their salt care a great deal about the people who work for them. Because they care, they help make them successful by clarifying expectations, giving feedback, and holding them accountable. Leaders who care coach and mentor, offering suggestions, but more often asking the right questions to help you figure it out yourself. It’s a fine line to know when to tell and when to ask. Come to think of it, it’s a fine line for a lot of things. You just have to decide which side of the line you should be on at the time.