If you have ever been in an authoritative position, you were either a leader or a boss. You might be wondering what the difference between those two terms is. They may even sound the same to you, but they are very different. I did a quick on-the-go Google search with Spectrum packages and found many things that a leader and boss will do differently. They are not that hard to differentiate, but leadership styles can make a lot of difference.
The leader vs. boss debate has been going on for quite some time. Many people think that being a boss will get you the best results. However, others believe that leaders bring out the best in people. Here are some of the key differences between a leader and a boss:
#1: Open-Mindedness
A leader is very open-minded and will be able to cater to their employees’ opinions. They will listen to you and make sure that you feel heard. In comparison, bosses tend to be close-minded about the procedure and often introduce red tape because of it. Bosses believe that whatever structures are in place are there for a reason. They are less prone to new ideas and support the status quo.
#2: Teaching by Practice
A boss thinks that their only job is to make other people work. They are great at giving orders and making people work for them. Therefore, a boss will most probably get the work done. The difference is that a leader will teach you by example. They will probably do a few tasks themselves before they delegate them to you. Moreover, they are the kind of people who will show up early to things and always be available.
#3: Long-Term Solutions
A boss will usually focus on the short-term goals and try their best to achieve the right results – instantly. They have fixed and set objectives that you have to fulfill within a deadline. It may be the best suitable option at times depending upon the kind of tasks at hand. Whereas a leader never loses focus from the long-term goals. They will push you to your limits to help you reach ultimate heights. Leaders might arrange training sessions for their team members. They may not solve any instant problems but will be great for the resources in the long run.
#4: Measuring Success Differently
You are a boss if you measure success with how much money you have or where you are in the organizational hierarchy. If achieving your passionate goals and influencing people to do better has always been your aim, you might be a leader. Leaders and bosses have different meanings for success, and their management styles show it.
#5: People Management
A leader’s ultimate strength is how good they are with people. They are open-minded, readily available, and will hear you out. These characteristics make them more accessible for everyone that works with them. Therefore, leaders have followers, and bosses have employees. A boss might be a great administrator but may lack a connection with their resources. You may feel unheard and distant from a boss.
#6: Collaboration vs. Dictation
When your superior gives you orders without providing a helping hand, they’re a boss. On the other hand, if they step up when you need them and help you out, they’re a leader. A leader sees a mutual goal for them and their employees that they have to reach together. A boss thinks that they have to steer the team towards that goal from the sidelines. They are more of a manager than a trainer. A leader will collaborate with you, while a boss will dictate their terms and expect a result.
#7: Setting an Example
Leader sets an example for their employees. They will always be the first one in the office and the last one out. They are very involved and hands-on with all ongoing projects. Therefore, all the resources also feel the need to put in similar efforts. A boss might not reach in time and sometimes might not even show up. They always know what’s going on around the office but usually aren’t directly involved. It might create lesser motivation among resources, but it isn’t wrong. As long as they get the job done, nobody will complain.
#8: Authority and Influence
When you think of a boss, the first word that comes to your mind is authority. They know how and when to exercise their power efficiently. They keep their resources in check but know when to stop. Therefore, they put just enough pressure on their employees and never go overboard. It is quite different with a leader as they prefer influence over authority. They will talk to you in a way that you will understand what is expected of you. Sometimes, a leader will take up additional responsibilities to influence others to do the same.
