Most animals have an innate need to be with their own kind. They form herds, prides, hives, packs, and families. It is true from ants to elephants. This seems to show a need for acceptance and support. Humans are no exception, including those that are leaders or would be leaders. We want to be loved and appreciated. However, this can be a real risk for leaders.[su_spacer]Sometimes leaders hold off on making and acting out decisions that may not be popular with their following. The leader delays making those difficult cuts in bad times. The leader passes the ball to someone else when a termination is needed or simply doesn’t do it at all. In short, the inbred need for appreciation and popularity overrides the reality of a bad situation.[su_spacer]
Leaders must understand that their following may dislike an announcement or a course of action by a leader and that is different than disliking the leader. In any case, those hard decisions are part of what the leader is paid to make and failing to do so has wrecked a lot of careers and a lot of companies.[su_spacer]
So, Mr./Ms. Leader, don’t let the need for popularity get in the way of doing your job. You are not paid to be popular. You are paid to do a job and sometimes that job isn’t much fun.
