Leadership in Action: Leadership that is Both Forceful and Enabling

Leadership That Is Both Forceful and Enabling

by Robert E. Kaplan

Should leaders be forceful–taking charge, making their presence felt, and stepping up to tough decisions–or should they be enabling– tapping into, bringing out, and showing appreciation for the capabilities of other people? Leaders' response to this question largely determines how effective they will be.

There is a dilemma that every leader must face. On the one hand it is clear that you need to be forceful—to assert yourself by means of your own intellect, vision, skills, and drive and to push others hard to perform. Forceful leaders take charge, make their presence felt, tell ...