Well hello there and Happy Monday! I’m Monica Wofford and this is your Monday Moment.
Leadership comes with a natural desire to be respected, trusted, and yes… sometimes liked. Or more specifically, often to still be seen as part of the team you were on before getting promoted.
But when the focus shifts too far toward being liked, leadership decisions can get complicated.
We all want to fit in and to some extent all be liked. And sometimes life feels like you’ve just walked into a neighborhood barbershop where everyone knows everyone and you are suddenly the odd man out. People are looking at you wondering who you are, what you want, and what you’ll do. It’s kind of uncomfortable.
Leadership isn’t always comfortable. You’re no longer one of the gang or part of that team, but the leader of their performance and development.
And it isn’t always popular. Your decisions may not always get you liked or seen as their favorite person. But the best leaders understand the difference between:
Being liked
…and being respected
That might mean:
- Making a tough decision others don’t immediately agree with
- Holding a standard even when it’s uncomfortable
- Giving honest feedback instead of avoiding it
Because in the long run, clarity and consistency build far more trust than comfort ever will. And trust will build their desire to put forth effort, feel valued, and perform at a higher level.
So, this week consider:
Are you leading for approval…Or leading for higher performance?
I’m Monica Wofford and let’s keep talking… leadership.
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