I believe it was Henry James who described the three most important qualities a person could have. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind. Yet many people are afraid that kindness will erode their power, their position, and their effectiveness.

Consider then the difference between tough and hard. If a piece of granite is hit with a hammer it will, because it is hard, shatter into pieces. If a piece of leather is hit equally hard with a hammer it will not even be dented because it is tough not hard. The leather is flexible, malleable, elastic, supple, and resilient and therefore in many ways more durable than a hard substance.

I would urge you to consider how much more valuable and durable your leadership can be when kindness becomes the core of toughness. Be tough about the quality of work you expect but kind in the way you express yourself to people. Putting toughness and kindness together takes real skill; together they will produce the quality of leadership most needed everywhere. Kindness will enhance not diminish your personal power.