The world-renowned Steve Jobs once said,
“If you want to make everyone happy, don't be a leader, sell ice cream.”
To be an exceptional leader, you should prioritize earning trust and respect over being liked by others.
There are instances when management selects an individual from a group to lead that group.
Once this happens, that person can no longer remain the same. If he aims to be liked as before, he won’t be able to ensure the team’s efficiency. To enhance productivity, a subtle distance will naturally develop between him and his peers.
You must understand that this is normal.
As a leader, your focus should be on gaining trust and respect rather than seeking approval.
To earn respect, adhere to these three principles:
- Set clear expectations: Your team members must know precisely what you expect from them. If you leave them uncertain and without clear instructions, you are not leading effectively.
- Ensure accountability: Every team member should be held accountable for their work. This accountability should be concrete, with daily or weekly meetings where they report their progress. Your team should firmly believe that they cannot neglect their assigned tasks without consequences.
- Provide rewards: A great leader not only demands high performance but also rewards it. He must assist his team in bridging performance gaps to ensure they put forth their best effort.
By setting clear expectations, ensuring accountability, and rewarding good performance, you will cultivate a highly efficient team.
