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Credible vs. Popular

If you want to be popular, leadership is not for you.

Do you find yourself wanting to be popular?

Here’s the truth: As humans, we all want to be accepted, if not popular. As a result, we often make some questionable decisions.

Years ago, I met a manager who struggled with being liked. When faced with a tough decision, he weighed his options. After serious thought, he knew option A was the best choice, but he went with option B because he believed it would be the most accepted and liked outcome. He made the choice that maximized his popularity instead of making the best choice for the business.

Have you ever done that?

You can focus on leading others or you can focus on being liked. When you focus on being liked, you will instinctively try to please everyone. And when you do, you and those you lead become confused. Here’s why: Pleasing people is inherently confusing because people don’t always agree. One person wants it one way; another wants it another way. The next thing you know, you’re bending over backwards to make everyone happy, which of course means that in the end, you will end up making no one happy, including yourself. This is a recipe for self-inflicted misery.

Credibility matters.

Some think hitting your goals is the most important success factor, and yes, that it is important. But on a deeper level, your credibility matters most. Credibility influences the confidence, support, respect and trust others have in YOU!

Does your boss (or board) have confidence in your ability to deliver reliably on what is expected? When you are composed under pressure, confidence grows.

Do you move things forward? If you co-create a shared vision, you establish support. Support accelerates progress.

Do others respect you? The more prepared and knowledgeable you are, the more respect you develop.

Do others follow your lead? When you act honestly and transparently, you earn trust. Trust is why others follow you.

Credibility matters–a lot!

Here’s another truth: Sometimes your team will love your decisions, and other times, they won’t. That doesn’t always matter as much as doing your job, and your job is to do what’s right! Doing what’s right builds credibility. Credible leaders walk their talk. Their actions speak louder than their words and they deliver on what they promisewhether it’s popular or not. 

Do you struggle with trying to please everyone? If so, contact me and I will help you re-focus on building credibility. Credibility (not popularity) builds your legacy.