Trust. Distrust.
Like. Dislike.
Do you trust your leader? Do you like your leader?
Take President Barack Obama, or any President for that matter. Usually, at best, a President receives between 50-60% of the popular vote. More or less half. Stay with me here.
What this means is the other half don’t like and don’t trust the President, relatively speaking.
And it’s the same in large organizations and small businesses. Seriously, it is.
Why do we try so hard to be liked, when in reality, the best we can ever hope for is about half.
Take Simon Cowell, from American Idol (yes, many of you hate Simon and the show), while many people do not like him, everyone trusts that he will tell the truth.
And the reason we know Simon will always tell the truth, is because he always does. Sounds simple, but Simon is consistent to a fault. He’s honest even if it’s “bad news”.
And yet, he’s crystal clear about his mission – select the very best singer. Period. Determine the “Gold Medal” winner. Select the next American Idol.
Most don’t like him. Most absolutely trust him.
If trust is the most important leadership characteristic, who gives a flip about being liked?