“[Their] need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear.”

Real leaders would take the time to understand why someone doesn’t like them, do a little self reflection to see if it’s either a valid point or just a perception issue, and then work to fix the issue if there is one. If it’s just a person who just doesn’t like them but is good at their job, just ignore it. If they are truly not a good fit or just a bad actor who just thrives in negativity, then you either find a better fit for them or then you fire them.

I’m very much a pleaser type personality but if someone doesn’t like me for whatever reason, I don’t really sweat it if it doesn’t affect me personally. Most people like me but not everyone and that’s ok. This constant need to be surrounded by yes men and sycophants is just disturbing.

True. And real leaders don't want to lead.