ArticlePost 3The 24/7 Manager

Respected vs. Liked: Credibility Over Popularity

Phil Shawe addresses the classic managerial dilemma: is it better to be liked or respected? He argues that respect is essential to effective leadership and is earned through consistency, integrity and fair treatment. Managers must be willing to push their people beyond their comfort zones and maintain high standards, even if it makes them temporarily unpopular.

Focus

Respect versus likeability in leadership

Key takeaways

• Being respected is far more important than being liked; credibility comes from integrity and consistency.
• Fair treatment and high standards earn respect, even when decisions are unpopular.
• Managers must sometimes push people beyond their comfort zones to achieve excellence.

Companion materials

Referenced in episode

• Transcript

Short references

Topic cues surfaced with this episode

• Clip: earning respect vs being liked

Next-step doctrine

Assess where you prioritise popularity over respect and adjust your approach