GoKawiilExecutive coaches outline seven habits for holding high standards without being harsh
A pair of executive coaches who have worked with leaders at companies including Apple, Nike, eBay, Hewlett Packard and General Motors, as well as startups like DoorDash, MasterClass, Fivetran and Remitly, describe seven habits they say allow managers to demand excellence from teams without behaving abusively. The piece frames these habits as lessons drawn from coaching ambitious founders and CEOs across established firms and unicorn startups.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The advice reflects a broader conversation in management circles about distinguishing rigorous, high-expectation leadership from toxic or bullying behavior, a topic that has gained attention amid scrutiny of workplace culture at high-growth companies. Because the claims rest on the coaches' own client experience rather than independent research, readers should treat the recommendations as professional opinion rather than proven best practice.
- Piece is authored by executive coaches, not reporting a specific news event
- Seven habits are presented as ways to demand excellence without crossing into abusive management
- Coaches cite experience with clients at major firms and startups as the basis for their claims
Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-09-28
Published there as: “Are you ‘tough’ enough at work?”
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