Being Popular Is Not In Your Leadership Job Description

Leaders Thought:  

"Be willing to forgo your need for approval, in exchange for staying the course and achieving the right mission."

When we get distracted by the expectations or demands of people who want their agenda to be satisfied at the expense of a greater goal, we slip quickly into the murky waters of potentially abdicating our responsibilities of leadership.  

There will be people who treat you with a manipulative disrespect.  Don't expend your time or mental focus in attempting to get on their good side.  Their good side is a facade - a pit in which they will throw all your good intentions.  Politely hold to the direction you know is right and move on.

I have experienced a few unpleasant encounters with whiners, manipulators and passive aggressive controllers during my tenure as a leader.  Most of them chose to leave the organization (some quietly, some with fanfare) because they didn't get their way.  Was I saddened by the departures and results of the conflict?  Yes, in some cases.  And no, a couple of times I was truly relieved and excited to see that their departure created a morale boost for everyone who remained.  Looking back on those times, I realize that not once did I feel compelled to go after them or attempt to meet their demands.  The good of the whole outweighed my personal need to be in "good graces" with the grumpy!

Leadership is not about being popular, it is about being purposeful.  

Remember, we don't lead change - we lead people.  It can be uncomfortable at times.  Make the effort to hear them out and help them grow.  But don't take it personal if they choose to go.

•  Steven Iwersen, CSP

 

Click Here For the 10 Questions To Evaluate Before Talking to Reluctant People on the Team.  (A LinkedIn Pulse Article)