Step 1: Understanding leadership styles.
Leaders often motivate their subordinates in different ways. A leader who uses tact is one who engages with employees diplomatically, encouraging work without the use of force or intimidation. This helps in fostering a positive work environment.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) By tact: Correct. Effective leaders use tact to get the best performance out of their subordinates, through diplomacy and understanding.
(B) By rod: This is incorrect. Using force (by rod) is a dictatorial style of leadership, which is ineffective in modern management practices.
(C) By threatening: This is incorrect. Threatening subordinates demotivates them and can create a toxic environment.
(D) None of these: This is incorrect because (A) is correct.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) By tact, as effective leaders work through tactful engagement with their subordinates.