Differentiating A Boss From a True Leader

As you, as the reader, go through the traits of both the boss and the leader reflect on your style and determine where you fall and if this is where you desire to be.

• Bosses command; leaders influence.
  

  

  THE BOSS: A boss’s authority comes from their position. The boss is there to ensure that employees follow the rules of an organization. She/he needs to give orders to instruct others what to do. Subordinates follow bosses only because they must. However, one’s influence as a boss can grow by caring for your team, listening to their thoughts and ideas, and providing the reason behind decisions and actions the boss takes.
  

  

  THE LEADER: In contrast, a leader’s authority comes from their ability to influence others. A leader will encourage others to think for themselves to achieve the desired ends. A leader can inspire others to find the best way forward, while motivating them to maximize their potential.

• Bosses explain; leaders inspire.
  THE BOSS: Ensures you understand the work needing to be done and expects one to follow the guidelines provided and accomplish it. Accomplishing that task is left in the employee’s hands.
  THE LEADER: Supports and guides you through the task at hand. A good leader inspires people and makes them excited about their work. Without the desire to complete tasks, employees will not be as driven to give their best efforts. The leader communicates the importance of their work.
  
  
• Bosses discipline; leaders mentor.
  THE BOSS: In any situation recognizing that employees are human, and mistakes are to be expected. How a boss deals with mishaps reveals who she/he is as that boss.  Bosses are more likely to use a reward and punishment system to discourage poor behavior. Skill gaps are too often being attacked thus undermining ones’ sense of confidence … an important part of success.
  

  

  THE LEADER: Understands that employees benefit from encouragement and mentorship. If a report performs well in a specific line of work, that strength should be recognized and mastered. Strengths and weaknesses are addressed independently. Rather than attacking skill gaps, leader works to patch them by guiding employees through their shortcomings and building their confidence in new areas.
• Bosses delegate tasks: leaders delegate authority.
  THE BOSS: A boss focuses on their department’s objectives and stringently follows protocol to achieve those goals. They think for the short term, delegate tasks to their subordinates and tend to micromanage. This person is focused on key and specific objectives to meet. The boss gets results by telling people what to do and is concerned with doing it right.
  THE LEADER: Sets the team’s long-term vision and uses it as a key motivator. The leader is skilled at getting results by enabling their team to figure out what to do and is concerned with doing what is right. Leaders seek to drive commitment by setting an example for others to follow and inspire others by encouraging development. They are comfortable delegating authority and avoid micromanaging, preferring to see others develop.

• Bosses are above the team: Leaders are part of the team.
  THE BOSS: Doesn’t take much time to get to know their employees. They often view their team

  

  members as subordinates. Employees tend to follow the energy and enthusiasm they witness in the boss which, if on the downer side, impact results achieved. Lack passion or motivation, the odds are that your team will too.
  THE LEADER: Realizes that taking time to get to know their team reaps benefits.  Seeing themselves as a part of the team rather than subordinates they view team members as equal contributors. Getting to know one’s team better, the leader can explain their vision in a way that will really connect with each person.

Transitioning from boss to effective leader:

There are three key and straight-forward actions one can take to plant oneself into the role of a respected and effective leader. They are actions that only require focus and the desire to make any changes necessary to enable the transition.

1. Be thoughtful.A good leader conducts their decision-making process based on the team’s and company’s best interests. Leaders who lead for impact think first of their followers. They know that if they are doing what is in the best interest of their followers, it will bring great results for the followers and the organization.
   
   
2. Communicate and listen.Leaders should also incorporate good communication by listening to their

   

   teams. Listening leaders grow in influence and impact, while those who neglect to listen to their team will struggle with disengaged employees who won’t listen. A leader who wants to be listened to should practice listening to their people.
   
   
3. Set clear expectations.Whether you see yourself as a boss or a leader the key to your success is your staff seeing you as fair in your approach toward them. Set fair, clear expectations for reports and be consistent in your manners so your staff knows what they can expect from you. Effective communication and a clear goal will ensure that teams all pull in the same direction.

Conclusion:

Being promoted to a management role is a huge accomplishment. Being someone’s boss doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a good leader and yet, with one’s determination and drive, it is achievable! While it can be a somewhat challenging journey from boss to true leader, the rewards are well worth the effort. Being a thoughtful leader can increase your team’s productivity, motivation, and loyalty, and ensure your company’s success. Hopefully some will see the challenge as worthwhile and make the move.
Mike Dorman

References:
Pauline Ziegler – Best Diplomats organization: 10 Steps that differentiate a leader from a boss.
Skye Schooley – Staff Writer at businessnewsdaily.com: “Are you a true leader or just a boss?”