One of the fatal flaws for leaders is an oversized desire to be liked by others. All humans have a deep desire to be liked. That need is baked deep into our DNA. When this desire becomes too strong, however, it can prevent leaders from delivering tough messages, being honest in the face of confrontation, and making hard decisions that affect other people.
Very important insights here. In the good old days, "likeability" was seen as a potential weakness in the workplace that could be exploited by subordinates and peers. Likeability is earned by leading in a values-based manner, e.g., showing respect, empathy, and genuine concern for others. Those are behaviors over which Leaders have control. Likeability can strengthen trust, loyalty, and relationships, resulting in more effective Leadership and better results. How others perceive those behaviors and react to them is beyond the Leader's control. Inappropriate responses to the Leader's authentic qualities present an opportunity for a candid, respectful conversation, i.e., another opportunity to enhance "likeability." Thanks for another great ALFN article on an important, albeit underappreciated, topic.
The Need to Be Liked Can Be a Fatal Flaw
Very important insights here. In the good old days, "likeability" was seen as a potential weakness in the workplace that could be exploited by subordinates and peers. Likeability is earned by leading in a values-based manner, e.g., showing respect, empathy, and genuine concern for others. Those are behaviors over which Leaders have control. Likeability can strengthen trust, loyalty, and relationships, resulting in more effective Leadership and better results. How others perceive those behaviors and react to them is beyond the Leader's control. Inappropriate responses to the Leader's authentic qualities present an opportunity for a candid, respectful conversation, i.e., another opportunity to enhance "likeability." Thanks for another great ALFN article on an important, albeit underappreciated, topic.