In 2012 Kobe Bryant wrote a facebook manifesto about his leadership style:
Leadership is responsibility.
There comes a point when one must make a decision. Are YOU willing to do what it takes to push the right buttons to elevate those around you? If the answer is YES, are you willing to push the right buttons even if it means being perceived as the villain? Here’s where the true responsibility of being a leader lies. Sometimes you must prioritize the success of the team ahead of how your own image is perceived. The ability to elevate those around you is more than simply sharing the ball or making teammates feel a certain level of comfort. It’s pushing them to find their inner beast, even if they end up resenting you for it at the time.
I’d rather be perceived as a winner than a good teammate. I wish they both went hand in hand all the time but that’s just not reality. I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.
This is my way. It might not be right for YOU but all I can do is share my thoughts. It’s on YOU to figure out which leadership style suits you best.
Kobe’s message is that real leadership requires a willingness to say and to do things that are unpopular. The leader’s image and popularity might even be damaged in the process.
Does this mean you have to not care what other people thing about you? Of course not, you’re human. Kobe Bryant cares what his fans and media thinks about him, or else he wouldn’t have released his philosophy on leadership on his facebook page.
Summing-up: Understand that the only way is your way. It takes a lot of mistakes. Tons of sweat, mixed with blood and tears. While you should always look to research and expert advice, your own training experiences are invaluable. Understand that at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is the results you get…which is ultimately your reputation.