You ever try so hard to be kind, to avoid conflict, keep the peace, smooth things over… that it backfires?

I have.

And I learned the hard way:

Compassion without clarity breeds resentment.

Today, we’re naming the hidden cost in:

“Your Team Hates You (Because You’re Too Nice).”

Because the road to resentment is paved with unspoken “yeses.”

In this episode:

* The hidden cost of being liked more than respected

* Why “nice” leaders create unclear, unsafe teams

* How to stop rescuing and start leading with anchored clarity

If your team likes you but doesn’t trust your direction… it’s time for a reset.

Let’s fix the root, not the image.

✦ Reflection Prompts

* What part of me still believes approval equals safety?

* How have I mistaken emotional management for leadership?

* Who on my team needs structure more than comfort?

* Where have I withheld truth to preserve a likable image?

✦ Action Steps

* Audit Your Avoidance

* Name one place you’ve softened expectations or skipped feedback to keep the peace.

* Ask: What has this actually created?

* Lead with Kind Clarity

* Say something like this to someone this week: “I care about you. And that’s why I need to be direct.”

* This is your bridge between heart and backbone.

* Reclaim Your No

* Identify one yes you gave just to avoid conflict.

* Reverse it.

* Set a new tone: grounded, clear, and aligned.

Use your heart to care.

Your spine to speak.

Your clarity to lead.

✦ Bonus Resource

Book a free Success Blockers Call

Because being “nice” isn’t noble when it keeps your team stuck.

Leadership isn’t about being palatable—it’s about being powerful and principled.

Start reclaiming your clarity at realmasteryhub.com

✦ On the Next Episode

Tomorrow, we’re calling out the myth of moderation with:

“When ‘Balance’ Becomes a Boundary You Hide Behind.”

Because what most call balance…

is just avoidance in disguise.

✦ If You Loved Today’s Episode…

Here’s how to keep building from the inside out:

* Share this episode with a fellow leader stuck in the “nice guy” trap.

* Subscribe to Daily Power Boost for bold, identity-based leadership growth.

* Join the R.E.A.L. Mastery™ Hub – For tools, coaching, and deep rewiring of your leadership identity. realmasteryhub.com

* Coming Soon: Watch identity coaching in real time in Beyond the Boost— real, unscripted transformations that show how the shift happens. → Want to be coached live? Message me to be considered (no cost).

✦ Engage With Me Online

* Instagram: @coachshawnmichael

* TikTok: @coachshawnmichael

* YouTube: @coachshawnmichael

* LinkedIn: @coachinguatemala

✦ References & Influences

* Kim Scott, Radical Candor – On direct feedback with care

* Steve Andreas, Transforming Your Self – On identity, boundaries, and leadership congruence

* Patrick Lencioni, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – On trust and clarity as leadership pillars

* Harvard Business Review, “Why Do So Many Managers Avoid Giving Feedback?”

* Steve Hardison, The Ultimate Coach – On BEing and authority that doesn’t require approval

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trunorth.substack.com