No, I’m not into corner offices per se. But in our imaginations, the corner (spacious) office still represents ascendency, success. So, I’ll use it!
For years, we’ve been fed the same leadership myth: Work hard, be agreeable, and eventually, you’ll be rewarded. 🤝🏾 Keep your head down, don’t make waves, and success will follow.
It’s a comforting story but also a dangerous one. Because in the real world, nice doesn’t get you to the top. Audacity does!
⚠️ The Pitfall of People-Pleasing Leadership
Too many talented professionals stall their careers not because they lack skill, but because they’ve been conditioned to believe that being liked is the same as being respected.
🚫It isn’t.
Leaders who prioritise being nice over being effective often find themselves:
❌Taking on extra responsibilities without recognition.
❌Hesitating to challenge bad ideas for fear of conflict.
❌Being overlooked for promotions in favour of those who are audacious, who take risks.
This isn’t to say you should become a Machiavellian operator who thrives on making people uncomfortable. Certainly not! But it does mean recognising that leadership isn’t a popularity contest and deference won’t get you far.
Why Audacity Matters More Than Amenability
The best leaders aren’t necessarily the most agreeable; they’re the ones who are clear, decisive, and unafraid to speak up. They set boundaries. They hold people accountable. They advocate for themselves without apology. They are audacious!⚡
🔥Being respected means:
✔️Saying no when necessary, without guilt or over-explanation. ✔️Calling out inefficiencies even when it makes others uncomfortable. ✔️Owning your achievements instead of waiting for recognition.
None of this requires aggression, rudeness, or hostility. It simply means refusing to shrink yourself for the comfort of others 🕺🏿🕺🏽💃🏾💃🏻
If you want to lead, stop waiting for permission. Take up space. Make your voice heard. And most importantly, stop mistaking likeability for audacity.
Because the corner office doesn’t go to the nicest person in the room. It goes to the one who commands it.💼🚀
💬 If you’re tired of being undervalued, underpaid, and unseen, it’s time to step up. Let’s talk.
📅 Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/g-rhamie
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TakeUpSpace #LeadWithConfidence #BeRespectedNotLiked #CommandTheRoom #OwnYourWorth #RockstoneConsultancy