As a manager, is tough good or not?

I currently work as an administrative manager in an Athletic Club. I'm not an English native speaker.

 

One day I was having lunch with my boss who is American and I said "I'm not a tough person.".. Then my boss hesitated for about 2 seconds, and asked "Oh really?" and after another 2 seconds.. And he said "Oh, it's OK.."

 

So far, I haven't made any mistakes of my work, but it didn't seem my boss were happy with it.. I'm a person who believes in good communication rather than being imperitive.. And my boss is also a very polite person!

I even forgot why did I say that.. T-T

 

So I'm confused.. Is not being a tough person that bad??  Or I just used the word in a wrong way?

 

Thanks!

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