Can I say it another way? Leading well doesn’t automatically make you popular.
There are decisions people immediately appreciate. Then there are decisions that are best for the organization but disrupt someone’s comfort or preferences.
Those are usually the harder ones.
You may have prayed, sought wise counsel, gathered the facts, and done everything you know to do. Still, someone will be disappointed. Some may even question your motives.
Of course, just because people disagree with you doesn’t mean you’re right.
Good leaders listen. They remain humble. They’re willing to admit mistakes and change course when necessary. But neither does criticism automatically mean you’re wrong.
The goal of leadership isn’t to win a popularity contest. It’s to do what’s best for the people and the organization you’ve been entrusted to lead.
That means treating people with respect, communicating clearly, and sometimes making decisions that won’t receive applause.
If you need everyone to be happy with you, eventually you’ll avoid decisions your leadership requires you to make.
And the organization will suffer because of it.
Leader, don’t confuse being celebrated with leading well.
Sometimes the greatest evidence of courageous leadership is the willingness to do what’s right, even when it’s not popular.
Do the right thing. Even when nobody applauds.
