15 Big Differences Between Acting Like a Boss and BEING a Leader

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.

1. A boss only sees things in black and white, while the leader also sees the grey
2. A boss likes to tell, while the leader prefers to teach
3. A boss likes being on a pedestal, above the fray, while the leader likes to be among those they lead
4. A boss gets lost in the details, while the leader keeps the big picture
5. A boss rules by fear, while the leader inspires with trust
6. A boss displays great hubris, while the leader shows quiet humility
7. A boss likes to talk, while the leader prefers to listen
8. A boss wants to dictate, while the leader would rather collaborate
9. A boss outlines the “What”, while the leader also always explains the “Why”
10. A boss thinks first about profit, while the leader thinks first about people
11. A boss gets lost in process, while the leader gets absorbed in performance
12. A boss is a disabler, while the leader is an enabler
13. A boss criticizes, while the leader coaches
14. A boss manages to an end, while the leader serves for a purpose
15. A boss demotivates with impassiveness, while a leader inspires with caring & empathy

BE a leader, not a boss!

What is YOUR leadership style?