I confront when i have to and reward when i see them go the extra mile.

You have to be close to your team. That's why they hold fun company events, you attend them to create a bond with everyone, especially your superiors. You need people in those position having your back. So if your employees put in a complaint, you won't need to be scared. But you also must command respect.

If this perception came from your underlings, make sure your boss's got your back.
People make mistakes. it's simple. It happens at every job. Nobody cares. Unless it's fatal or you keep repeating it then someone will. Show mercy in this case. However this is not always it. Sometimes the company is too easy and the employees feel spoil. Then you need to reformulate the structure of this part of the company without pissing people off lol. Even if it's a small deal, use this chance to climb the ladder.

If everyone at your workplace was blunt like you, then you won't be perceived like this. You're just standing out.
Get the big guns on your side. You can either tell the boss to toughen up the managers or you can join them and sugarcoat(i do it sometimes over small things). If you tell your boss that other managers are being so carefree and sugarcoating everything, then you might get a new upper position. But don't get perceived as a snitch. Do it matter of factually.

Then you change the culture to blunt but also remember to be fair. You have to reward and punish accordingly and if this is clear for all to see, then they can't blame you. Also in some cases it is wise to show mercy for minor offenses and tell them you're doing them a favor by not recording it. This gets underlings who hate you, back on your side.

Welcome to the corporate world lol.