Comment on the article by Josh Hayman, Managing Director (South Africa), Legitimate Leadership: We have saying at Legitimate Leadership: “Giving is not about being nice, it is about being appropriate”.  This article by Jeni-Anne Campbell illustrates this principle with clarity.  Conversations we have in organisations often highlight that leaders experience things like Care and being Honest about anything difficult is a trade-off: “If I want to be seen to Care, I have to give up something in terms of Honesty. If I want to be honest about something that might be uncomfortable for a person to hear, I’ll give up something in terms of Care”.  When our Intent is to Give, Care and Honesty are inseparable.  You won’t be experienced as Honest if you don’t Care, and if you aren’t Honest, you won’t be seen to Care.

We don’t have to put one down to do the other.  Do both.

Our summary of this article: A recent article by Jeni-Anne Campbell offers a refreshing perspective on leadership and what it truly means to lead with kindness. The key message is simple: being a kind leader is not about avoiding difficult conversations or keeping everyone comfortable all the time. It is about being honest, clear, and consistent, even when the truth may be uncomfortable.

The article challenges the idea that “nice” leadership is always effective. In many cases, avoiding feedback, delaying decisions, or softening important messages creates more confusion and anxiety within teams. People perform better when they understand expectations, know where they stand, and receive feedback that helps them grow.

One of the most powerful ideas in the article is that clarity is actually a form of care. Leaders who communicate openly create trust, accountability, and a stronger sense of stability within their teams. Honest conversations, when handled with empathy and respect, help people improve and feel supported rather than uncertain.

The article also highlights practical leadership habits that make a real difference:

• Address challenges early instead of avoiding them.
• Give feedback with empathy and respect.
• Set healthy boundaries to prevent burnout.
• Follow through consistently to build trust.

Ultimately, the article reminds us that strong leadership is not about being liked all the time. It is about creating an environment where people can grow, contribute, and succeed because they feel informed, supported, and respected.

As leaders, one of the greatest things we can offer our teams is clarity. When people know what is expected of them and trust the guidance they receive, they are far more likely to thrive.

Read the full article here