Moving from an Asian culture to a Western one was eye-opening for me, especially when it came to the workplace and leadership styles. Back home, the relationship between employers and employees was very formal - everyone called their superiors “sir” or “madam,” and bosses often gave orders from a distance, rarely getting involved in the day-to-day grind.

But in Canada, I quickly noticed something different - and refreshing. Whenever we faced challenges at work, managers didn’t just sit back; they jumped right in to help on the front lines. That simple act of accessibility created a completely different vibe. It wasn’t about power or hierarchy; it was about teamwork and support.

This experience made me deeply curious about positive leadership and what it really means to be a good leader.

Leadership: A Balancing Act, Not a Checklist

Through conversations with several leaders, I realized that leadership isn’t black or white. One of my favorite insights was this: “Leadership is just like life - it has ups and downs, risks, challenges, lots of interactions, but at the end of the day, it all comes back to balance.”

That balance plays out in how leaders communicate. A good leader often shares their opinion last. Why? Because if a leader immediately offers their solution, the team tends to agree without thinking critically. Keeping opinions to the end encourages fresh ideas and stronger collaboration.

Kindness vs. Strictness: Finding the Middle Ground

Since I was a kid, I’ve wondered: Is it better to be kind or strict as a leader? Strict leaders often get respect because people listen out of fear. Kind leaders build positive relationships and make people happy, but does kindness alone earn respect and authority?

The truth? Leadership demands both. You need kindness to build trust and respect, but also enough firmness to guide and hold the team accountable. It’s a delicate balance - too much strictness breeds resentment; too much kindness can undermine your authority.

Accessibility: The Surprising Power of Being Interrupted

One leader told me, “I know I’m going to get interrupted 100 times a day. Even though I could get more work done if I just focused, part of my job is being accessible.”

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