Liking Your Leaders

I think this is the most important lesson that all leaders should and will ever learn. Being a good leader means nothing if nobody likes you. Maybe you have great ideas and maybe you'll be successful and that's awesome. But, if nobody respects or likes you, then you'll have no followers. Unfortunately, people have this notion that being a leader isn't concerned with being liked. They think that just because they have been put in charge, they have the power. And boy, are they wrong. The best leaders are the ones who can do their job and make their subordinates feel equal all at once. I've seen this first hand in all aspects of my life. People in a position of power assume that they have the ultimate say; in return, they get attitudes and no motivation. However, put someone else in the exact same position who makes everyone feel important and respected and bam! It seems like magic. The attitudes dissipate and everyone is willing to work. People need to realize that being personal and open isn't a bad thing. Maybe they feel vulnerable or maybe they feel like nobody will care about their ideas; whatever the reason, opening up is the best thing a leader can do. Show your subordinates that, like them, YOUR HUMAN! Just because you're in a position of higher authority doesn't mean you're any better or worse than someone else. Lastly, don't let power change you. I've lost one too many friends because power and egos go to their head. Being a leader doesn't mean you have to lead with an ego. Never lose who you are, the essence of character. Because when it all comes down to it, it was that personable you that got elected in the first place. :)