Any leader that has needs to be liked, admired, respected is in serious trouble, not only as a leader but as a person. When I was a leader I cannot remember, nor believe that I ever cared if any of my employees liked me or not. What ruled my behavior was the task at hand. If this meant instructing or admonishing an employee, I did what had to be done without any consideration for whether they liked me or not. I never knowingly embarrassed someone that I worked with. If I did, it was never intentional.
Frankly, if a leader is caught in the trap of “like/dislike,” they are unable to lead since if “events are to dictate,” that consideration will crowd out what is required or demanded. It is a character flaw that diminishes one’s ability and value as a leader.
How does any leader that needs to be “liked”’ act? First, they are likely unsure of themselves, insecure in their leadership role, and even the work they do. In any case, they fail as a leader regardless of how they might succeed as an individual in any profession.
Be sure, this is not true in many types of work people do. Teachers and parents must be secure in themselves. Any insecurity that emanates from any party in a relationship is problematic. Any ambiguity will be communicated.
We all want to be liked, but we should not let it affect our relationships.
Being liked? Yes!—All humans need this, to be—But not at a cost.
Sy