The simple answer is binary - and a yes. The main thing with management, like being a parent, is consistency. If you bend the rules for one person for a special case people expect you to do it for other things and you'll be seen as unfair.
Within this there will obviously be differing levels, but the main thing is not to get this fair. By holding a consistent line it becomes irrelevant if people see you as nice or not because they know what they are getting.
Just look at politicians who flip flop - no matter what your position inconsistencies mean trouble.