What many leaders don't understand is that their words carry the weight of an anvil, even if you're "friends" or a have a David Brent "jokey" office persona. I

What many leaders don't understand is that their words carry the weight of an anvil, even if you're "friends" or a have a David Brent "jokey" office persona. It's nearly impossible for an employee to tell if a superior is serious or joking, especially if they've been inconsistent in the past. It's anxiety inducing for employees to wonder if they are dealing with "friend boss" or "will I get passed over for a promotion boss" when someone drops by their cubical for some brainstorming. Even brainstorming can be ambiguously "brainstorming" or "I actually want to see your reaction so I know if I can trust you". I know all of this because I have made all of these mistakes in the past.