In fast
paced, high stress business environments it can be all too easy sometimes for
leaders to slip into what is often called “Boss” mode, meaning that people managers
stop being a leader, and start acting like a boss.- A boss who supervises a staff.
- The staff reports to the boss, just like it says on the organizational chart.
- And they do exactly what the boss says, because, of course, “S/He’s the boss!“
In other
words, the leader becomes a not-so-pleasant person that creates a
not-so-enjoyable work environment, and brings progress to a screeching halt. Therefore
it’s really important that we recognize the 15 most significant differences
between acting like a boss and being a leader, so we can avoid a rapid descent
into mediocrity or failure.
- A boss only sees things in black and white, while the leader also sees the grey
- A boss likes to tell, while the leader prefers to teach
- A boss likes being on a pedestal, above the fray, while the leader likes to be among those they lead
- A boss gets lost in the details, while the leader keeps the big picture
- A boss rules by fear, while the leader inspires with trust
- A boss displays great hubris, while the leader shows quiet humility
- A boss likes to talk, while the leader prefers to listen
- A boss wants to dictate, while the leader would rather collaborate
- A boss outlines the “What”, while the leader also always explains the “Why”
- A boss thinks first about profit, while the leader thinks first about people
- A boss gets lost in process, while the leader gets absorbed in performance
- A boss is a disabler, while the leader is an enabler
- A boss criticizes, while the leader coaches
- A boss manages to an end, while the leader serves for a purpose
- A boss demotivates with impassiveness, while a leader inspires with caring & empathy
BE a leader,
not a boss!
