What separates the good from the great?

I've been told that, to lead, you must use grit and grace. Balancing both is an art. But the real challenge is in knowing when to tighten the reins of discipline and when to loosen them. Here's what else I was told: The answer can't be found in a one-size-fits-all approach. It's found in figuring out how and when to use those reins. And how do you find out what will work for the person who needs a push? Uh… get to know 'em? Once you learn and apply that, you'll build a culture that drives your workforce straight toward the goal. No twists. No turns. No detours. Just straight-to-great. There are a thousand ways to tighten the reins of discipline, but each one better be fair and have rhyme, reason and purpose. If not, it's time to get out of Dodge because someone out there is already saddled up and ready to ride herd for you. To make a profound difference, you should deliver each plan with confidence, conviction and clarity. Find the approach that fits your voice, your team and your culture — and then hammer it home. From the greats I've studied, the one quality that separates the good from the great isn't found in rules or routines: It's found in knowing how to get everyone on the same page, ready to turn that page together and making every last person feel like a vital part of the effort and result. When I coached, I never turned in a detailed "discipline plan." When I was asked for one, my reply was always the same: "I discipline my student-athletes the way they need it, when they need it, and in the way that sends the proper message to every last person I work with and will work with. There is no blanket plan." The truth: Some people need grit. Some need grace. And some don't need anything at all—they messed up, they know it, and they beat themselves up harder than I ever could. Those people? They're called leaders. Tony Legando is a lifelong educator, a hall of fame football coach and author of "To Lead a Good Life" parts 1 and 2 and "Fables for Young Leaders." He is also a public speaker who has inspired leaders for many years. You can contact him at legandot@gmail.com.