Leadership comes with a price. It’s not always glamorous, and it’s rarely easy. I had a conversation with a good friend and former professional athlete this past weekend, and he said something that stuck with me:
“My goal is not to be liked. My goal is to be respected.”
That’s the essence of leadership. It’s not about popularity or being everyone’s favorite—it’s about earning respect by making tough decisions, speaking hard truths, and guiding others out of their comfort zones.
Growth is uncomfortable, and as a leader, your role is to help others push through that discomfort. That’s not always well-received. People may push back, resist, or even resent you in the moment. But true leadership isn’t about avoiding conflict or keeping everyone happy—it’s about steering your team toward a goal, even when the process is painful.
Here’s what leaders need to keep in mind:
1️⃣ Respect Over Popularity: Your job isn’t to make everyone like you. It’s to guide them, even if that means saying things they don’t want to hear.
2️⃣ Embrace the Loneliness: Leadership can feel isolating, but staying true to your values and mission will earn respect in the long run.
3️⃣ Acknowledge the Challenges: Be honest about the difficulty of the journey, but keep pushing forward. Growth requires discomfort.
Whether you’re a coach leading your team or a player stepping up for your teammates, leadership is a choice—and it’s not always an easy one. But the impact you have on others will be worth it.
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-Reid