Leadership today isn’t failing because of incompetence.
It’s failing because too many leaders want to be liked.

We now live in a world where:

• Metrics define identity
• Likes dictate decisions
• Silence wears the mask of fear
• “Consensus” means “I don’t want the blame”

The Truth:
The more you seek approval, the less you lead.

We’ve confused being liked with being effective.
That’s why teams drown in:

• Delayed decisions
• Friendly indecision
• Leaders who perform, not lead

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Put yourself in this situation:
You need to shut down a beloved feature.
The team’s attached. Customers mention it now and then.
But the data says: It’s a drain.

What do you do?
Option A:

• Explain, Over-explain
• Avoid discomfort
• Delay the decision

Option B:

• Own the data
• Communicate clearly
• Make the call
• Use the lesson to build better

When you’re at that crossroads, ask:
“What would I do if I wasn’t trying to impress or avoid conflict?”

That question strips away fear.
It demands clarity.
It leads.

You weren’t hired to be liked.
You were trusted to lead.

If that makes you unpopular, perfect.
It means you’re not performing.
You’re leading.