You Can’t Be Everything to Everyone

It’s a hard pill to swallow: You will disappoint people as a leader.

Some will disagree with you. Some will resist change. Some will even talk behind your back.

But if you’re making the right decisions, you can’t let that stop you.

Too many leaders fall into the likeability trap—believing that being seen as “nice” or “accommodating” will make them effective. It won’t. In fact, research shows that when leaders focus on approval over impact, their effectiveness plummets.

The Research: People-Pleasing Leaders Make Weaker Decisions

A Harvard Business Review study found that leaders who prioritize approval tend to:
* Make risk-averse choices that lead to stagnation.
* Avoid necessary but difficult conversations (such as giving tough feedback).
* Struggle with setting boundaries, leading to burnout.

If you’re trying to be liked by everyone, you’re probably saying “yes” too often, compromising too much, and avoiding necessary changes.

Examples: The Leaders Who Made the Tough Calls

– Satya Nadella (Microsoft): He disrupted Microsoft’s rigid, bureaucratic culture, introducing a more open, agile leadership style. Some resisted—but today, Microsoft is thriving.

–  Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo): She took a massive risk by shifting Pepsi’s focus from sugary drinks to healthier options. It wasn’t a popular move—but it positioned PepsiCo for long-term success.

– Steve Jobs (Apple): He was not known for being universally liked. But his unwavering commitment to innovation made Apple the powerhouse it is today.

Self-Reflection: Where Are You Compromising?

If you’re facing a tough leadership decision, ask yourself:
* Am I making this choice based on what’s best or what’s easiest?
* Will this move my team forward, even if some resist it?
* Am I leading—or just trying to keep the peace?

Final Thought: The Best Leaders Make Hard Decisions

Leadership is about courage, not comfort.
It’s about standing firm, even when it’s unpopular.
And it’s about being respected—not just liked.

Your Challenge: This week, make one courageous decision—even if it’s uncomfortable.

👉 What’s one tough decision you made as a leader that wasn’t popular—but was the right one? Share in the comments!

To your success,
Isabel

Isabel Valle is an award-winning Peak Performance Strategist and global leadership coach, dedicated to helping executives and business leaders achieve sustainable success. Through her acclaimed programs like Leadership Reimagined and Lead365, Isabel equips leaders with the tools to foster innovation, build high-performing teams, and thrive in a fast-evolving world.  A sought-after speaker and author, Isabel blends data-driven insights with a human-centered approach to deliver transformative results. Learn more at www.isabelvalle.com.