Being Disliked Might Be Your Greatest Leadership Superpower
Let’s Get Real About Leadership
Come in close, I’m about to tell your heart something it might need to hear.
There’s this funny thing that happens when you step into a leadership role—whether at work, in your relationships or just in life. Suddenly, it feels like everyone’s got an opinion on what you’re doing. And by everyone, I mean EVERYONE.
The reality is, the moment you start living your truth, some people are going to get uncomfortable. And guess what? They’ll let you know.
The Power of Ruffling Feathers
Let me drop a little wisdom on you: If you’re not making someone uncomfortable, you’re probably not really leading. Yep, I said it. I know, it sounds counterintuitive. We’ve been taught to be “nice,” “get along,” and “keep the peace,” right?
But here’s the kicker: Real leadership isn’t about being liked. Nope. It’s about earning respect. It’s about trust. Sometimes, it means being the bad guy, and that’s totally okay!
Finding Freedom in Being Disliked
You know what’s super draining? Trying to be everything to everyone. You know what’s liberating? Accepting that some people are just not going to vibe with you—and that’s perfectly fine.
Think about the greats:
Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t a crowd favorite.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg didn’t care about making everyone comfortable.
Every person who has made a significant impact has probably ticked someone off along the way.
The Cost of People-Pleasing
Here’s what happens when you try to make everyone happy:
Your message gets watered down.
Your impact shrinks.
You end up feeling drained.
Your purpose? Lost in the shuffle.
And the saddest part? The people who would truly resonate with your authentic self never get to see your magic.
The Shift
When you finally give yourself the green light to be disliked, things change. Like, a lot:
Decision-making? Clearer.
Boundaries? Stronger.
Impact? Deeper.
Purpose? Crystal clear.
And here’s the best part: The right people will actually love you even more for it!
Your Turn to Shine
If you’re reading this and feeling that delicious mix of fear and excitement—guess what? That’s your inner leader stirring!
Ask yourself:
What would I do if I wasn’t scared of being disliked?
Where am I dimming my light to make others comfy?
What truth have I been afraid to speak?
The world doesn’t need more leaders who play it safe. It needs folks who challenge the status quo, who inspire growth, and who make others think—even if it means stepping on a few toes.
Ready to Own Your Power?
If this resonates and you’re ready to stop playing small, let’s chat! I work with emerging leaders who want to make their mark, even if it means stirring the pot a little.
Because here’s what I know for sure: Your biggest impact is waiting for you on the other side of people-pleasing.
P.S. Remember: Being disliked by some means you’re finally showing up as your true self. And that’s not just leadership; that’s pure freedom. ✨
