It's easy to think bosses and leaders are the same. In fact, they're nearly opposites. So what makes a leader different from a boss? And which should you be?
The answer is simple: Leaders lead, motivate and empower. Bosses just try to get the job done. While bosses are focused on themselves, leaders look for ways they can help and encourage those around them.
A leader understands that the people he or she works with are essential to an organization’s success, treating them as equals and providing them with helpful direction. Bosses, on the other hand, give out orders and view employees as disposable inferiors.
Defining each of the terms, "Boss" is defined as the person who has authority or power over a group to direct their work or activities.
On the other hand, "Leader" is the person who heads and directs a group or social, political, religious movement, etc. In principle, the difference is clear. But in the day to day, many are the attitudes that can make a person enter the profile of leader, or boss.
Differences between a boss and a leader
The perception of his authority: For a boss to use, authority is a privilege granted by his command post. For a good leader, on the other hand, authority is a privilege only if it is a useful tool for the organization. The boss endorses the maxim "I am the one who commands here"; while the leader finds his inspiration in the phrase "I can be useful here". The leader spurs the group and the good leader stays in front, guides them and commits himself day by day.
Impose vs convince: The boss bases his influence on the authority that stems from the position he holds. The leader wins the sympathy and will of those around him. The leader makes use of his position within the hierarchy, while the leader cultivates and takes care of his leadership on a daily basis. The boss feels the need to impose his criteria, using long arguments; the leader convinces and exemplifies, his arguments do not seek to banish others, but build knowledge and plan of action.
Fear vs. trust: The boss instills fear, fear, often threatens, and his team is suspicious of him, they put a good face on him when he is close but they criticize him harshly when he is not present. The leader is a source of trust, empowers people, generates enthusiasm when working, encourages the group by recognizing the good work and effort of its members. The boss needs blind obedience, the leader wants the motivation to impregnate everyone. If you feel fear of your superior, he is an ordinary leader, if in change you value and appreciate him, your superior is a leader.
Fulfill vs lead: The boss arrives on time, but the leader always arrives first. The boss waits for the collaborators sitting in his chair, the leader comes out to welcome them. The leader wants to always maintain his presence as a group leader and inspires commitment, cordiality and loyalty. The boss is satisfied with an acceptable performance of its members, the leader wants to see further and wants his group to stand out.
Power vs. inspiration: The boss defends with nails and teeth his position of authority; the leader makes normal people feel extraordinary. The boss craves reverence, but the leader manages to engage his team in a mission that allows them to overcome and transcend. The boss wants to maintain his privileges; the leader gives meaning and inspiration to his work, his life and that of those around him.
And in general these are the main differences between being a leader or a boss. So, take a quick self-assessment: Are you a boss or a leader?
