| Here is something that has been on my mind for a while. Actually, this idea has been fermenting in my mind as I approach the time in my career when my long-time colleagues are retiring, and I welcome new leaders into their positions. I am very aware of my age and the generational cohort (Generation X) to which I belong. New leaders coming into school leadership positions belong to the Millennial and Generation Z generations. My lived experience growing up and coming of age is significantly different from the newer generations. In order to give them the full respect they deserve, I have to keep in mind the context in which they grew up. For example, the generations after mine have only experienced the world in a post-9/11 fashion. The heightened anxiety and fear that permeates the world since 9-11 is their primary lived experience. And we can’t forget that Generation X is the last generation that (overall) is doing better (and expects to do better) than their parents. Millennials and Zers do not expect to do better than their parents, which is a huge problem for society. This gets me to what I have been thinking about. What is the relationship between likability and respect for a school leader? Too often, leaders do not take the time to think about where their comfort zone is for these two leadership quality characteristics. I believe all of us have a natural “mean” or average that we revert to when it comes to likability and respect. To be clear, whichever way you lean toward does not imply that one is better than the other. A leader should be cognizant of their natural predilection and work to include both characteristics in their leadership style. Let’s review the positive aspects of likability and respect for leaders. Likability Definition: Likability in leaders refers to the degree to which they are personally appealing, pleasant, and easy to relate to by others. Likable leaders often possess traits such as: Empathy: They show a genuine understanding and concern for the feelings and well-being of others. Warmth: They exhibit a friendly, open demeanor that makes others feel comfortable and valued in their presence. Approachability: They are easy to talk to and encourage open communication, making others feel welcome to share their thoughts and concerns. Charisma: They have a compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire enthusiasm in others. Likability can be an important aspect of leadership. Here are some ways likability can help a leader. Building Relationships: It is easier to build positive, productive relationships when your likability is naturally higher. Relationships, especially in school leadership, are the bedrock for building a positive school culture for both learners and staff. Enhancing Communication: Likability can make leaders more approachable, a necessary skill for effective communication. Approachability allows the leader to assess the pulse of the organization. Understanding the needs, wants, fears, and hopes of people in the organization is an essential aspect of leadership. Increasing Effectiveness in Leadership: A leader with high likability finds it easier to make difficult decisions, implement change, and achieve collective action toward meaningful goals. In today’s leadership context, especially with younger generations, creating the conditions in which staff are meaningfully engaged is important. Respect Definition: Respect in leadership encapsulates the admiration and high regard that leaders earn through their actions and qualities. Respect for leaders is typically based on the following: Competence: They demonstrate expertise and ability in their field or role, showing that they are capable and knowledgeable. Integrity: They adhere to strong moral and ethical principles, showing honesty and consistency in their actions and decisions. Fairness: They treat all individuals justly, making decisions that are impartial and based on equitable reasoning. Respect is helpful in the following ways for leaders: Establishing Authority and Credibility: When a leader is respected, their desires and decisions are more likely to be followed because of the underlying foundation of competence, integrity, and fairness reflected in their actions. Creating a Positive Culture: Setting a tone of mutual respect helps build a positive culture. Respect is not a one-way street. To have respect means that you give respect. In leadership, this can oftentimes be difficult as we deal with the messiness that is inherent in human behavior. Navigating Challenges and Changes: A respected leader is better positioned to lead their organization through difficult times. Great leaders help make sense of a chaotic world, and a leader who has built respect with their staff finds it easier to lead change through chaotic times. Obviously, everything you just read are my thoughts…I do not claim they are the thoughts you should have about leadership, so I hope you spend time thinking about likability and respect as a school leader. A peak into next week’s newsletter Next week, I will continue my thoughts on likability and respect in leadership. Specifically, I will break down the matrix below. As I consider these topics, I want to hear your thoughts on this post and the  |
Likability V. Respect In Leadership
