The difference between a leader and a boss

The Difference Between A Leader And A Boss digitalbloggers.com /business/the-difference-between-a-leader-and-a-boss Apr 01, 2017 Business, Internet and Businesses Online, Self Improvement, Reference and Education 46 views Written by Sergei VanBellinghen Articles written: 123 Joined: 23 September 2016 Niche: Internet and Businesses Online Reference and Education Self Improvement

At first, while there is some distinction between what makes a leader and what makes a boss, you should realize that there is a vast and significant difference. Despite the fact that the two may seem similar in one way or another, they are in reality much opposed to each other.

Their actions are entirely dissimilar in so many ways and on several levels. Leaders and bosses also adopt various

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styles of managing, resolving situations, have a different viewpoint on how to build relationships, and make or take different decisions.

So what makes a leader so different from a boss?

People may respect a boss, but everyone loves a leader.

Let’s take a look at what makes a boss and at what makes a leader. I chose the path of wanting to be a leader over the one of being a boss because when I had to make a choice, the answer was simple as I looked over at my experiences in life.

The Habits and Behaviors which Makes a Boss The objective of a boss is to get things done, no matter the consequences while a leader, not only gets things done but at the same time empowers and motivates the people around him.

A boss permanently needs to be the center of attention, feels like he is the only one who knows things, can provide good and bad leadership, and often gives the task to someone else who is a leader.

After a job is completed, a boss will usually take all the credit for a job well done, while the leader will give credit to his team or the person having achieved the task, and then take the whole squad out for drinks.

A boss feels superior, gives out orders and view employees as disposable subordinates. But a leader truly understands that the colleagues he or she works with are an essential and significant part of the progress and success of the business.

Some people enjoy bossing others around. That is their choice. But if you feel like you want to become a leader and get in charge, or if you aspire to be, you have a big decision to make as well as some changes in the habits and behaviors you currently have.

Of course, the choice is entirely up to you, but you should consider the crucial differences between a leader and a boss as you make up your mind.

The Habits and Behaviors which Makes a Leader What makes a leader or attribute someone to leadership?

As I look back to my experiences as a horse athlete, as a petty officer in the Soviet Navy or of what I went through in life as well as the decisions I had to make, I would say the habits and behaviors which were inculcated to me brought me to be who I am today.

To name a few, the traits that attribute a person to leadership are motivation, empowering others, improving skills, helping teammates, listening, making changes, facing challenges and a few others.

To be a leader, you need to treat your colleagues as equals and makes things better. You do not just point out what is wrong but provide people with helpful hints leading them into the right direction. So it does take more than just bossing people around to be a leader.

You must understand that a boss only focuses on himself, while the head looks for ways to help, encourage the people around him or her and take them along the journey to success. A leader is someone who steps back, observes, listens and brings out the best in the group.

When and if you make a choice to be a leader , there are some things you will have to give up such as your ego, along with other things. Then even if you get in charge of your own business, understand you cannot do it alone or

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in having it your way.

You have to realize that you will not always be right or that your world view may be challenged. But on the other hand, you will gain some great insights and a place of business to which people will have the desire to come to work.

You will also feel a real and authentic authority that derives from who you are and not who you pretend to be, say or do. You will be the skipper of a team who inspires and motivates each of its colleagues exclusively.

Becoming a leader is the chance to change lives including your own.

The Major Differences between a Leader and a Boss A leader inspires enthusiasm while boss commands and instills fear.

A leader coaches others to perform at their best while a boss drives others to follow his orders.

A leader shows how it is done and gives clues while the boss says ‘ I am the only one who knows how it should be done’.

A leader gives credit to others for their success while a boss takes all the credit.

A leader works to help find the solution, repair the damage done and understand how it occurred, so it won't happen again, while a boss yells and blames people.

A leader is interested in helping others grow and develop while a boss uses people to his advantage.

A leader thinks in terms of “WE” while the boss thinks in regards to him or herself.

A leader depends, along with his entire team, on mutual responsibility and trust while a boss depends on his or her authority to have things done.

A leader is more concerned with asking and listening while a boss likes to command.

A leader says, "Let's go!" while a boss says, "Go!"

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Image credit: The Startup Expert So do you want to be a leader or do you want to be a boss? You do not have to look very hard to see the differences which are needed to be a leader or a boss. But know that there are already plenty of bosses in this world while what it is lacking are great leaders.

Sergei VanBellinghen, Founder & CEO of First-Class Lifestyle and sergeivanbellinghen.com, Success & Self-Improvement Coach, Freedom entrepreneur & business partner of Stuart Ross, also counselor in East Europe-West relationships, a passionate Globetrotter and an avid audio booker

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