One has to weigh carefully what reality TV personality and social media hustler Dave Kerpen says about leadership. Nonetheless, he made some good points in his 2012 book Likeable Business and in some subsequent articles. He offers 11 leadership principles (below) that are, in his words, "simple." Well, they're simple in theory, anyway. In reality, it's terribly difficult to find people in leadership positions actually able and willing to abide by these principles.
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What I like most about Kerpen's prescription is the trashing of the old-fashioned and increasingly false choice between being respected and being liked. There's little room in the 21st Century for those who seek to manicure their "I'd rather be respected than liked" act, at least in many settings today. The ashtray-throwing, egomaniacal, former UN Ambassador John Bolton comes to mind. Great leaders are often respected and liked - though they can't let the desire to be liked impede making tough decisions - if they expect their followers to be open and honest with them and to go the extra mile.
Twitter - @jessicamcwade
