The "Nice" Problem: Why Non-Performing Plants Love the Wrong Leaders

Whenever I step into a sick or non-performing plant, I can almost predict what I’ll find—

A very good, very nice, very loved person in a higher position.

People will say, "He’s such a nice person!"
Ask them why? No clear answers.
What’s his contribution? No real explanation.
But he is loved. In fact, he is the most visited, praised, and admired person in the entire plant.

And let me tell you—he really is a genuinely nice human being. But here’s the catch...

Why is a Non-Performing Plant’s Most Loved Leader Also the Biggest Problem?

The truth is, this "nice" leader is always good for nothing.

Why? Because:
❌ He lets people do whatever they want—except their REAL work. 
❌ He keeps everyone happy by never enforcing discipline. 
❌ He avoids conflicts instead of solving problems.
❌ He enjoys being surrounded by people—who love him for allowing inefficiency to flourish.

And the plant? It remains sick.

How to Identify This "Nice" Leader?

🔹 He has a lot of visitors all the time.
🔹 People hang around him instead of working.
🔹 He’s always praised, but never for results—only for being “nice.”
🔹 He has zero control over performance, but a strong hold on relationships.

Finding this person isn’t difficult. The signs are all around.

And what’s the worst thing for a Plant Head?

When this "nice person" is none other than the plant owner himself (Chairman/MD).

❌ He wants love from everyone.
❌ He wants results only from the Plant Head.
❌ He enjoys being admired but avoids making tough decisions.

And this? It’s a recipe for guaranteed failure.

Because a leader who seeks love over results will always stand in the way of performance.

What Does This Mean for Me?

While working in plants, I was never the “loved” leader.

Hated? Oh, many times.

But that’s the point.
✔ A leader focused on results over relationships will always face resistance.
✔ People don’t like change—especially when it forces accountability.
✔ But at the end of the day, it’s results that matter, not popularity.

The Hard Truth

💡 If you want love from everyone, you’ll rarely get results.
💡 If you want real results, you must be prepared to be disliked.

So, the question is—do you want to be loved, or do you want to lead?



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