# @themichaelpaulk on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DaGfdmUur6u
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/67140288-themichaelpaulk-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/68ca358109.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-06-27T19:41:50.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒆𝒍 𝑷𝒂𝒖𝒍𝒌 (@themichaelpaulk) — https://gondola.cc/themichaelpaulk

## Caption

I was once fired because too many people I was leading didn’t “like” me.

I laughed on the way out the door thinking… 

Well, it’s called LEADERSHIP, not LIKERSHIP.

Somewhere along the way, people started believing a leader’s job was to make everyone comfortable.

It isn’t.

✅ A leader’s job is to tell the truth. And I do. 
✅ To hold people accountable. And I do. 
✅ To make hard decisions. And I do. 
✅ To protect the standard, even when it makes them unpopular. And I do. 

Someone in a leadership position convinced me I needed people to like me. 🤦🏻‍♂️

Worst leadership advice I ever received, and it’s my fault for taking it. 

In my lifetime, I learned to lead men in situations where failure had consequences far greater than a poor quarterly report. That experience taught me something I’ll never forget:

Popularity is rented.
Respect is earned.

And one more thing…

Success doesn’t automatically make someone worth following.

Bernie Madoff was wildly successful. 

Character, not income, is what qualifies someone to lead. Sometimes the “receipts” are covered in blood. 🇺🇸 #RLTW 

These days, I trust my instincts.

The moment someone consistently shows you they lack integrity, conviction, or character…

Wish them well and keep moving.

Not everyone deserves a seat at your table. 

MP 👊🏻

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 31
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- **Comments:** 2

## Tags

rltw

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