[langer]

The challenge for founders is that it's more important to be respected than to be liked as the boss.

If you're too strict, employees think you're unfair and they get depressed. If you treat them too leniently and are too friendly, they'll like you but the company's performance will suffer.

The best founders prioritise performance and being respected, but create structure and goals that avoid people feeling like they're being treated unfairly.

[normloman]

Respect is earned. Treat people fairly and you win people's respect.

Friendly / Strict is a false dichotomy. The ideal boss is always friendly, strict when they have to be.