What should be more important for a supervisor than being liked?

For a supervisor, being respected is crucial because respect establishes the foundation for effective leadership and authority. When a supervisor earns the respect of their team, they gain trust, credibility, and influence, which are essential for achieving organizational goals and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Respect fosters open communication, encourages team members to voice their opinions or concerns, and facilitates collaboration. It also enables supervisors to provide constructive feedback and challenges to their team, knowing that their input will be taken seriously. This respectful dynamic can lead to increased morale, commitment, and productivity among team members.

In contrast, while being charismatic can help in forming initial connections with colleagues, it does not guarantee effective leadership or a productive work environment. Being team-oriented is important as well but is often built upon a foundation of respect. Similarly, being authoritative without respect can lead to resentment and disengagement among team members. Therefore, respect stands out as the most essential quality for a supervisor to cultivate in order to effectively lead and support their personnel.