Boss and leader aren't interchangeable terms, just as we often use them like they'd have same meaning in the colloquial vocabulary. Let's see what the distinctions are, because they matter.
According to the dictionary,
"boss" is a person who has the power to order a group of subjugated people , knowing how to submit the possibility of controlling their actions in order to perform a series of duties.
"Leader" is the one which guides and leads a group of people so they can accomplish the same goals jointly.
Sometimes we do not know the meanings of those words (these or others) and we are using them as though they were the same, even though they are not.What we should note in this situation would be that a boss is the director but the one who supports his workers is a leader. The first distinction between both definitions would be that. But there are more variations and they need to be identified.
Companies worldwide are searching for more leaders than boss as they recruit staff or encourage their employees. Why do you think this is going to be so? Because the "boss" is a person that thinks he's one level above the others, remains in his office but only leaves there just to issue orders, isn't too respected in the company.
On the opposite, a "leader" works with his colleagues and does not command them how to go about it,Yet he tells them and discusses the reasons for his choices. That is one reason why they are favoured by most owners of companies.
A point in case
I was in an office a particular day. The boss leaves his office and tells the workers to submit a full report by 4:00 PM of the amount of new customers the company has received in the last month. He finishes talking, returns to his office and shuts the door, hoping that the subordinates should comply with the order at the appointed time. Well, they did it at the appointed time but I don't know how effective...
A leader does not hesitate for a moment to offer his assistance and advises on which resources are the most effective in order to accomplish the mission effectively and in less time. Did you ever note the difference? While a Boss just directs and encourages the workers to adjust themselves where they can, a leader is by his peers' side, encouraging them and helping them to succeed.
It is understandable, therefore, that businesses are finding more leaders than bosses today. The workers are much happier, the stresses are fewer and the working climate is more comfortable, due to the recruiting of leaders.
The best part is that if a boss changes his attitude and the way he develops his job a manager will become a leader.