I recently read a passage from The Greatness Guide by Robin Sharma. In it, he states,
Being a leader isn’t about being liked, it is about doing what’s right.
He goes on to say,
Leaders fearlessly make tough calls. They speak their truth. They run their own race, making the right decisions and worrying little about public opinion. They are courage in action.
It seems lonely, but it's also the only thing that makes sense to me lately.
I’ve realized that in the world of leadership, the path less traveled is often paved with tough decisions and unwavering values. It's not about being everyone's favorite, and being kind doesn’t make you weak. Leadership is about making decisions that, while they may not please everyone, are in the best interest of students, staff, community, and the mission at hand.
As leaders, we must embrace the reality that not everyone will like us or agree with our decisions, and that's okay. It’s not a popularity contest. It’s about integrity, courage, and standing firm to your convictions, even when people oppose you.
As leaders, we make difficult choices, we communicate openly and honestly, and we must lead by example. It has to be about fostering an environment where respect is earned through actions, not through seeking approval. Although we may not be able to please everyone, we can hopefully earn their respect through consistency, transparency, and unwavering commitment to bettering those we serve.
I know my challenges aren't unique, and I'm not the only one with doubt. I also know my skills, experiences, and unique qualities contribute to the diverse fabric of our team, and I'm grateful for that. In the end, I would rather do what's right than be liked. Especially, if doing what's right is what's good for kids. Is that so bad?