Leadership is different than management.  Management is the process by which someone "in charge" directs individuals in some concerted effort by using various incentives, consequences and or punishment to accomplish a given enterprise.  Leadership is the art by which a leader motivates and enables individuals to realize their potential in drawing them out of their comfort zone, to tread untested waters, to risk failure, and do the unimaginable.  In leading others, a leader must exhibit the qualities and traits expected from those under his care.  A leader must be a life-long learner, always seeking to gain wisdom and knowledge to better equip him to lead.  A leader may be great, but he never "arrives" at the place where there is no room for self-improvement.

"Firm, but fair..."  Tough, not rough..." are phrases used to describe the need for the leader of any group to tirelessly supervise the efforts of subordinates, while taking onto account the individual, as well as the welfare of the team.  Although a leader must ensure expectations are met, he must not let his supervision be a hindrance to performance (he must not "micro manage.")  In many instances, realizing the consequences of a mistake (with proper guidance afterwards) becomes the best teacher.  Micro-management grows from a fear that subordinates will fail.  The attitude that subordinates need to be "baby-sat, or they may hurt themselves" is an excuse to avoid the responsibility to lead.  While a leader must always look out for those in his care, he must trust them as well.  This fact accents the need for effective training, so individuals gain experience, learning from mistakes in training, instead of paying for their mistakes with their lives when they are put to the test.  It is the responsibility of a leader to train subordinates effectively and then lead them wisely and boldly.