Popularity is not your best asset

The moment you stop trying to be liked is usually the moment you start leading. ​ Chasing approval turns every hard decision into a popularity poll. This leads to watered-down choices, endless delays and teams that quietly stop trusting you to do what actually needs to be done. ​ The leaders people remember aren’t the ones who always said “yes,” but the ones who made unpopular calls. They had clear reasoning, honest communication and steady conviction — choosing long-term respect over short-term applause.