Managers’ Ongoing Dilemma: The Complications of Being Liked

Most people, myself included, want to be liked. When people like us, it feels good and we figure we must be doing something right. Unfortunately, this theory has its flaws when it comes to being a manager. Being liked does not necessarily mean you are doing a good job. In fact, it could mean you are doing an extraordinarily terrible job. As with any position where a person is responsible for overseeing the success of others, such as being a teacher or coach, driving people to do their best does not always equate to being well liked. Many people simply do not want to be pushed to improve themselves. These under-achievers will base how they feel about a manager on whether they are allowed to slide by. As a manager, sometimes you have to deci....