If you want to be liked….get a dog

Leaders should not be focusing their energy on being liked. According to Stanford University’s Adams Distinguished Professor Maggie Neale, “If you want to be like…get a dog” 

Leadership is about earning respect, not popularity. An organisation's success hinges on its ability to deliver results, not on whether everyone likes you. As a leader, your focus should be on your responsibilities, not on personal approval.

To be respected as a leader, you need to:

1. Respect the privilege that leadership brings

2. Ensure a psychologically safe environment.

3. Focus on achieving desired results.

4. Build capable and high-performing individuals and teams.

5. Address performance issues promptly.

6. Confront difficult conversations or conflicts head-on.

7. Embed feedback into the organisation's values.

8. Communicate openly, honestly, and transparently.

9. Lead by example.