It is endemic in corporate life that aside from the usual pressures of hitting targets and such, we also have to deal with personalities and egos in the office; so let's check ours, in particular. Are you the type of leader who has these expectations from his people:
-that they not just support you, but worship you?
-100% obedience and never disagreeing with anything you say?
-that they get all nervous and rattled when you enter the store, which you secretly derive pleasure from?
-that they grovel and always apologize when you call their attention?
-ask for your approval for every little thing, never allowed to make their own decisions?
-praise your shirt, your haircut and your generosity?
-'in awe' of your knowledge and experience?
Do you refuse to listen to your people's opinions which may be contrary to yours; and in fact, take it as ungratefulness or insubordination? Would you rather have people who always refer to you for small decisions than smart, self-driven individuals?
Then I have news for you - your insecurities are showing. You want your people to become good servants- not good leaders - to make YOURSELF feel powerful. If that is the case, then you will be left with no one but sniveling sycophants. But don't rest on the fact that these people follow you around and nod profusely at everything you say - they just want to get on your good side so that their careers can move forward; but they also talk about you negatively behind your back.
Validation from your subordinates is nice; but if they don't think you're omniscient, don't exact revenge by giving them ‘special treatment’ or giving them low performance appraisals. Remember that you are not paid to be liked by everyone, but to lead them.
The higher the tower you make for yourself, the smaller the people below will look to you. But in the end, you realize that the only person on that high pedestal is just you..all alone.
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