BLUF
Seeking approval can weaken leadership effectiveness by avoiding difficult decisions. Effective leaders focus on being likeable rather than liked, building trust through fairness, consistency, boundaries, and honest relationships grounded in respect rather than popularity.Learning Outcomes
- Differentiate between being liked and being likeable in a leadership context, and explain how each affects leadership credibility, influence, and decision-making.
- Assess the risks of approval-seeking and people-pleasing behaviours in leadership, including their impact on accountability, performance management, and difficult conversations.
- Apply practical strategies to build trust, respect, and effective workplace relationships.
