We live, we love, we strive

You’ve worked so hard on a project—checking everything for mistakes, reminding your team about deadlines, and making sure the customer will be happy. You even went out of your way to celebrate your teammates so they’d get credit for the group’s success.

At school, maybe you’ve been the leader of a team, helping everyone stay on track and pushing toward big goals.

But then, when you got feedback, it wasn’t what you expected. People said you were “too bossy” or “self-centered.” Some even suggested you think about how you acted.

Ouch. That can feel like a punch to the stomach, right?

It’s normal to feel upset or let down when this happens.

But here’s the big question: Should you stay discouraged?

The Personal Event

Not long ago, I finished a big group project for my MBA. Throughout the year, we had to give peer reviews for each other at different stages. I got really high scores for most of the project—until the very last stage. Then, my score dropped to “average.”

I was shocked! How could this happen after all my hard work?

But deep down, I kind of knew why. It wasn’t about how much work I did or the quality of it. It was how my teammates felt when I pushed them to finish on time.

The truth is – Not everyone will be happy. Some never will, and it is not within my control.

My Takeaway as a Leadership Lesson

“If you want to make everyone happy, don’t be a leader. Sell ice-cream.” – Steve Jobs

It’s impossible to please everyone. Sometimes, people will criticize you no matter how much effort you put in. That’s not your fault – it’s part of the job.

Good leaders focus on their people, not just the task. They know when to be firm and when to be gentle. They listen and try to understand, but they also hold their ground when needed. What is important, in my opinion, is the induce an openness to adapt, and from the leader, clarity on the situation or direction. If there are doubts, even though one might find it simple and logical enough to be understood by anyone, it is the job of the leader to explain and provide that clarity without avoidance or masking in some noble ideas such as “I am trying to coach you“.

With all that being said, I did my a reflection about what I could have done better for future leadership-related roles:

• Be Empathetic and Open: When you get feedback that stings, don’t shut down. Ask yourself, “Is there something I can learn from this?” If yes, great! If not, let it go. Forgive yourself for having communicated the wrong manner that was not perceived well, and do better next time.
• Use Opportunity to Grow: Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning, failing, and getting better. Even the best leaders in history didn’t always get it right. Don’t beat up yourself for it, and don’t limit yourself from it.
• Find your Tribe: Surround yourself with people who understand and respect your efforts. Not everyone will “get” you, but the right people will value your intentions.

Keep Progressing

Leadership can feel like walking through a jungle – you’ll trip on roots, get tangled in vines, and maybe run into a few wild animals. In the meantime, you will find discouragement, despair and loneline. But you’ll also grow stronger, wiser, and more confident with every step.

If you believe in what you’re doing and stay true to your positive values, the right people will notice. Those who don’t? Well, they’re probably looking for ice cream.

Let’s keep going, one step at a time.