I remember Gardenhire in a one on one with an outfielder after the guy bozoed a play. Don't remember the play or the player but you saw Gardenhire sitting next to the guy and having serious discussion with him. He wasn't shouting, chewing him out, etc. but you could tell that Gardenhire was serious and the young player took what he had to say to heart.
I believe that guys like he are exactly what is needed for a young team like the White Sox. We hear a lot about Robin being a "player's coach" as if that is a great thing. My opinion is that the manager being a players coach doesn't mean that he always backs his players when they are wrong nor makes excuses for them. They also shouldn't be "pals" to them. Coaches should be like good teachers and maintain professionalism when dealing with their charges. Not get too close to them nor be any kind of tyrant. Especially when you are dealing with young players.
Same school of managing.