Weak leaders hide behind “those are the rules.” Good ones explain the rules or fight to change them.

Hiding behind a rule lets you enforce something without taking responsibility for it, and everybody can tell. A rule you cannot explain is one you have not thought about, and a rule you believe is wrong deserves an argument rather than your obedience. Either way the honest positions are explaining it or pushing on it, not pointing at the sign.

Pick a rule you enforce and see whether you can give the reason in one sentence. If you can, say that next time instead of citing the rule. If you cannot, go find out why it exists or make the case for changing it.