Be a Leader not a Boss

4/18/22, 9:35 AM

Be a Leader not a Boss | Olawale Seriki | Leadership

a Be a Leader not a Boss

by Olawale Seriki | Apr 18, 2022 | Leadership, Olawale Seriki

There is a big difference between being a boss and being a leader. Many people think they are the same thing, but this is not true. A boss demands obedience and expects their employees to do what they are told without question. Leaders inspire their employees and encourage them to be creative and innovative. They empower their team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. So, which one are you?

If you want to succeed in business, you need to be a leader, not a boss.

Leaders Influence, Bosses Command A boss will give orders and expect them to be carried out. They may indeed inspire their employees when they first start, but after a bit of time, they often become bossy and treat their team like children. You might find that when you are managing someone, it is hard not to act like the parent telling the child what to do. It can also be easy to assume that your employees know what you want them to do and become angry when they don’t meet your expectations. Leaders inspire their team members by asking questions and getting them involved in decision-making.

Leaders Nurture, Bosses Punish https://olawaleseriki.com/be-a-leader-not-a-boss/

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4/18/22, 9:35 AM

Be a Leader not a Boss | Olawale Seriki | Leadership

A boss will often see mistakes as a threat and punish their employees for making them. They will also expect their team to carry out tasks without any questions. When something does go wrong, it is always the employee’s fault and never the boss’s fault. Leaders know that mistakes are an essential part of learning and growth. They see obstacles as challenges and look for ways around them rather than creating a hostile environment.

Leaders Inspire, Bosses Explain A boss will do all of the talking in meetings and ask their employees for input when they feel like it. They may or may not delegate tasks to their team, but when they do, they expect them to be carried out precisely as they have been asked. Leaders inspire their teams by giving them a voice in meetings and encouraging them to develop new ideas. When they delegate tasks, they give their team members the freedom to do them in a way that works best for them.

Leaders Delegate Authority, Bosses Delegate Tasks A boss will expect their employees to carry out tasks that they have been assigned to them without any questions. They may or may not give their team members the authority to make decisions, but it is often restricted to particular circumstances only when they do. Leaders know that delegating authority is as essential as delegating tasks. It is vital for your team members to feel trusted and inspired.

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4/18/22, 9:35 AM

Be a Leader not a Boss | Olawale Seriki | Leadership

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