There are people with a hard shell and those with a soft skin—nuts and fruits, so to speak. Leaders need a hard shell when necessary and a soft skin when possible.
People with a soft skin enjoy being closely connected to their surroundings. They are open to being touched emotionally, make contact easily, and maintain their relationships well.
On the other hand, people with a hard shell prefer to keep their distance from others. They value control, favor balance over highs and lows, and tend to observe before engaging.
Leaders require a hard shell to avoid being overly affected when making complex decisions that may have unpleasant consequences for others. At the same time, they benefit from a soft skin when empathy is needed in direct interactions.
The true art of leadership lies in knowing when to embody the nut and when to embrace the fruit—and acting accordingly.
