Do you Want to be Liked or Respected?

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Every leader faces a critical choice: do you aim to be liked, or do you strive to be respected? While these two qualities aren’t mutually exclusive, the focus you choose has a major impact on your leadership effectiveness.?

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Being Liked?

Leaders who prioritize being liked, often avoid tough conversations, bend rules to keep everyone happy, or hesitate to enforce accountability. While this might create short-term harmony, it can lead to a lack of trust, as team members might question whether decisions are made for the team’s best interest or just to maintain popularity.?

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Being Respected?

Respected leaders, on the other hand, are consistent, fair, and decisive. They make the tough calls and hold people accountable, even when it’s uncomfortable. Respect comes from setting clear expectations and leading with integrity, which fosters trust and long-term loyalty.?

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How to Strike the Balance?

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• Communicate Clearly and Often: Show empathy, but don’t shy away from addressing issues.?

• Lead by Example: Model the behavior and work ethic you expect from your team.?

• Consistency Builds Respect: Fair, steady leadership breeds respect—something far more enduring than fleeting popularity.?

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Are you aiming for likes or lasting respect??

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#Leadership #Respect #Management #Teamwork #Accountability #ProfessionalDevelopment #Trust?

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Dr. Merrylue Martin is President of the Job Joy Group and best-selling author of the Big Quit Survival Guide. To learn more, visit www.jobjoygroup.com.?