“I want everyone to like me.”
Said a manager during one of our training sessions. He tried to be everyone’s friend. But did he succeed?
No, he didn’t.
His team was polarized. Some liked him and others did not. Was it a problem? Partially. He added up to it by trying hard to please everyone.
And he lost his leadership focus.
(Niche) Leadership
If I tell you that teams need suitable leaders, you probably agree. But what if I tell you that also a leader needs a suitable team?
Niche is often related to a specific and different place or position that works for someone or some organization. Niche works in leadership, too.
Imagine a thing, team, or task that is best fitted for you.
There are different styles, habits, and conventions related to various positions. It will be a challenge for a leader to manage a team of project managers vs. when the same person manages a team of software engineers.
Simply put, not everyone can lead everyone. You, too, need to find your ‘niche’ team.
Why a leader for everyone is a myth
You wish to be a leader for everyone.
Yet, the idea of a leader who appeals to everyone is a myth because people have diverse values, needs, and perspectives that cannot all be simultaneously satisfied.
Individuals and teams often seek distinct qualities or approaches in a leader. This makes universal appeal elusive.
The best you can hope for is tolerance and respect.
Keep doing what you’re doing
It might be seductive to say: “Ah, the team does not like me, so I have to find another one.”
But it is not about blaming others for your flaws. You have the responsibility to work on your skills, communication, and development.
Have a healthy ambition to lead everyone. It, indeed, embodies a vision of inclusivity and universality.
Leaders who aim to resonate with all different types of people emphasize broad themes, general values, and overarching goals that capture a wide spectrum of people.
Keep focusing on your adaptability, empathy, and the aim to unite your team members. Yes, it’s a long run. Yes, you may need to invest in relationship-building with some more than with others, but that’s what leadership is about.
Don’t lose your focus and dance around naysayers. Find a balance between the various needs of your team. You can’t please them all. Not all the time.
Niche or not niche
The choice between broad appeal and niche is not black and white.
Consider the nature of your vision and mission. Some objectives naturally embrace multiple teams and different functions. Others may require specialized initiatives and communication.
Context, context, context. As always.
(PS: Don’t lose your sleep over a few who don’t like you, as long as you can work together with respect then there is nothing to worry about).
TL;DR
People have diverse values, needs, and perspectives that cannot all be simultaneously satisfied all the time. This diversity makes it challenging to appeal universally.
Different roles and functions require different leadership styles.
Instead of aiming to be liked by everyone, leaders should focus on fostering tolerance and respect among team members. Building relationships and understanding individual needs are essential aspects of effective leadership.
Another article with ‘it depends’. Well, that’s how it goes :-) Have a good one, Ivona
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