From “Popular” to Respected: My Leadership Journey

In the early days of my leadership journey, I found myself inspired by the song “Popular” from the musical Wicked. Like many, I believed that being well-liked and popular was the ultimate goal of leadership. I wanted to be the leader everyone turned to, the one whose decisions were met with enthusiastic approval and admiration. The desire for popularity was relatable, especially in a world where validation and acknowledgment often feel tied to success.

However, as I progressed through my career and took on more significant leadership roles, I soon realized that the reality of leadership is much more complex than simply being popular. The focus began to shift from seeking approval to fostering respect. I learned that effective leadership is not about being liked by everyone; rather, it’s about guiding teams with integrity, making tough decisions, and being accountable for those decisions, even in the face of dissent.

This transition wasn’t easy. For a long time, I struggled with the notion that not everyone would agree with my choices or see my vision in the same light. It took time and introspection to understand that leadership comes with the responsibility of making decisions that benefit the whole, rather than catering to individual preferences. I learned that it’s essential to nurture an environment where open dialogue and constructive feedback thrive, even if it means facing disagreement.

As I grew into my role, I came to appreciate the value of respect over popularity. True respect is built through transparency, consistency, and empathy. It’s about being honest and showing vulnerability, acknowledging mistakes, and celebrating others’ successes. I realized that a respected leader inspires loyalty and motivation, while popularity is often fleeting and tied to superficial judgments.

Today, I strive to be a leader who prioritizes respect in all my interactions. I aim to build a culture of trust, where team members feel valued and empowered to voice their opinions. While the desire to be liked is a natural inclination, I now understand that genuine respect, cultivated through authenticity and strong values, is the foundation of effective leadership.

In this journey, I encourage others to reflect on their leadership motivations. It’s crucial to recognize that the path to leadership will have challenges—including tough choices and differing opinions. However, embracing these challenges and focusing on earning respect will ultimately lead to more meaningful and impactful leadership experiences.

Here’s to growth, resilience, and leading with integrity!

And finally, I leave you with a picture of my recent trip to see the movie Wicked, dressed up as the one and only, “Ga-linda” 🪄