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Stake presidents lead by inspiration. In the perfect stake organization, the president uses counselors for counsel, but makes the primary decision and submits it to them for approval; and the high council is used in matters of stake business in like manner. They do not make major decisions, but may counsel and vote to sustain or reject the president's proposal.... An ideal stake will have a president who loves the word of God and is a student of the scriptures, who will know that true conversion comes first by knowing the will of God and, secondly, by living its principles carefully. He will be an unbiased judge, who will be governed by justice and never by any personal reasons. In his role as judge he will conduct interviews with stake leaders and members who will be placed in positions of trust and responsibility. He will want to be in tune with the Holy Spirit in order to best serve these people and to guide them and redirect them where necessary. Where cases of immorality are concerned, he will be anxious to see that justice is done and that penalties are paid in order that the dignity of the Church is maintained, the laws of God are followed, and the transgressor does proper suffering and is permitted to return later to the good life. ...
Such leaders will be kindly and understanding, but will be firm in handling every case according to its merits, remembering that to let some people "get by" with their sin is only to invite continual troubles; but when a leader is fair and just in every case, confidence will be strong in that leader.
Source: Edward L. Kimball, ed. The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982. 472 - 473.