If “wanting to be liked by your employees” is a leadership flaw, then count me among the world’s worst bosses. Some of my most valued friends are people I work with every day. I worry about the impact of critical conversations we have on our friendship.

Despite my concerns, I engage in those conversations because it is my responsibility and, as my friends, I want them to be better leaders and “keepers of our culture”.

My hope is that the people I lead care about me as a friend and respect me as a leader. I believe you can achieve that balance if you desire it.

Be intentional about it…