I am of the opinion that everybody can be liked, including the leader. If a leader isn't liked it is most likely because they have not shown the qualities that will allow them to be liked by those they lead.

A leader is someone who has gained the trust of others because when they look at her/him they know that whatever it is they are asking is something that they themselves would happily do.

If as a leader, you are not liked, I believe that this is a reflection of your leadership qualities and not those around you. It is something that should not be taken lightly and if it was me, I would be looking in the mirror and seeing where I could find areas of self-improvement.