Strong Backbone Managers with flimsy spines quickly lose stature in the eyes of their employees. Great managers show conviction, tenacity, and boldness. Managers have every right to expect solid work performance and commitment from their employees, just as their employees have every right to expect a leader who rallies for them. If an obstacle prevents employees from performing at an optimal level, the manager must have a strong enough backbone to remove it. Great managers tap into the raw potential of each employee.
Some managers are overly concerned with conflict-avoidance.
A strong desire to maintain harmony may cloud their judgment and render them ineffective. Weak managers play both sides of the fence by agreeing with the position of whomever they are talking to at the time. Trying to be everyone's buddy quickly unravels your authority and leads to disrespect. To be a great manager, you must have a strong moral compass. The responsibility you have to your staff to enable their top performance is paramount.