As a manager, you may have to make a decision that won’t be well received. But keep in mind that a manager who refuses to make unpopular decisions when needed undermines her own managerial role in many ways, depending on the nature of the decision. It may affect operations, it may affect the respect in which you are held, it may make you seem more a yes-person than a team leader. A decision to let quality standards slip rather than get tough with one or two work- ers, for instance, may make you seem like a nice person, but it will undermine corporate performance. It is doubtful that the remainder of the staff will end up thinking well of you. Those who see how you let standards slip won’t be impressed by your management performance.
Some newer managers may get tough on poor performers or make other un- popular decisions, but they may hold others responsible for the decision, trying to disassociate themselves from it. Such avoidance can cause workers to question their managers’ capability, if not their word. It’s important to recognize that, as a manager, you will have to make unpopular decisions. No matter how unpopular it is, as a representative of your company, it is your decision. Accept responsibility for it. The respect you earn will outlive any temporary unpopularity.