Boss vs. Leader: Creating Leaders in the Workplace
A leader can be the boss, but being the boss doesn't automatically equal being a leader. When a boss becomes a leader, this inspires their employees to achieve their full potential. This has a multi-faceted effect that trickles throughout the entire business.
This article explores the striking differences between being a boss versus a leader and how that can affect people and the business.
Difference Between a Boss and a Leader
The terms boss or leader are often used interchangeably, but they shouldn't be. A boss is someone who has attained a position of authority. They make the big decisions, and by virtue of their positions, their subordinates are required to listen to them.
There is nothing inherently wrong with being a boss. Every company needs a hierarchy or a chain of command. And if someone is a good boss, the company will probably do well and even thrive.
However, if there is a boss that steps out of those shoes and embraces being a leader—the potential for growth and forward momentum is limitless.
Growth Mindset
"To be a good leader, you have to be excellent with listening and comprehending what you hear. Do not just listen, but learn something from what you hear." - Richard Bensen
Leaders have a growth mindset. Instead of having all the answers as the boss, they are interested in hearing what people have to say. A leader is ready and willing to adopt new ideas that make sense for the business.
What a growth mindset looks like:
The first step to a growth mindset is becoming self-aware. Once leaders are self-aware, they can evaluate how they may be unwilling to grow and change and fix it.
Everything in life is an ongoing process. By focusing on the process instead of the desired results, the leader allows themself and their employees to continue growing.
Even if a leader "arrives at the top," they don't stop improving and developing themselves. Just because they don't get a raise with the improvement doesn't mean there's no ROI.
Collaboration Instead of Dictation
The role of a boss is to tell the employees what to do; someone has to call the shots. However, a leader will approach this differently.
People like being heard. When someone has a good idea to solve a problem, how validating is it if their boss takes the time to listen? A leader will be shoulder-to-shoulder, collaborating with their people to solve problems.
What collaboration looks like:
A leader will take suggestions from their employees into consideration when creating policies.
Collaboration is building a workplace that shares values and purpose. By sharing their vision for the future, a leader encourages everyone to get on the same page.
Certain things remain on a need-to-know basis, but a leader does their best to share information so that everyone feels included in the business's direction.
Empowerment
There is undoubtedly a sense of power that comes with being the boss. It's part of the territory and one of the perks. But if a boss hides behind the power the position brings—how much power do they really have?
A boss who adopts a leadership mindset doesn't sacrifice their authority. If anything, the more a leader empowers their people, the more power they have.
Think about it from the perspective of an employee. If you have a boss sitting behind their desk basking in power, there tends to be much dysfunction in the workplace. But if you have a leader who empowers people by letting them be a part of the process. The workplace is happier and has lower stress, and ultimately the business is more profitable.
What empowerment looks like
A leader not only accepts but encourages their people to take the initiative. They want their employees to care about the business and try new things to build it up.
Recognition is a powerful form of empowerment. When someone is recognized for their hard work, this encourages them to continue that same work.
Encouraging their employees to pursue further education and offering extra training is an incredible form of empowerment.
Leads By Example
Being a boss and being a leader aren't mutually exclusive. There's often some hesitancy to step out as a leader. What happens if the employees don't take you seriously without the iron fist of a boss?
A leadership mindset doesn't mean you become a pushover. It doesn't mean suddenly you don't call the shots because you don't want to hurt feelings.
It means you get out there. Talk to your people. Ask them questions and listen to what they have to say. If there is a problem, lead by example. Collaborate with those responsible and come up with solutions.
Takes Ownership
When stuff hits the fan and something goes wrong, a boss looks to their managers or people lower on the pole than them for answers.
A leader doesn't pawn the blame off. They understand that the success or failure of the business rests on their ability to foster a culture of people who love their job and take it seriously.
When something goes wrong, a leader brings everyone together, not to throw blame, but to discuss future prevention of the same mistake and how to solve the problem at that moment.
What Do These Differences Have in Common?
You've probably noticed a theme running through all these characteristics. As a rule, a boss manages people and pushes them. As we mentioned before, being a boss isn't a bad thing, but there's a better way.
Being a leader means being in front of your people. Leading them in the direction you—as the boss—know it needs to go. You motivate them to be creative and dedicated to their work. You allow them to be part of and contribute to the company's vision.
The Temptation to Settle for Being the Boss
Being a leader is hard work. It takes a lot of introspection and internal work to be a great leader. Some people have a natural gift for leadership, but those people are far and few. If you look around at today's great business leaders, you'll see people dedicated to self-improvement and learning new things.
It may be tempting to settle for "being the boss." You spend enough time in a company, work your way up the ladder, and eventually get the corner office and private parking spot. That's a good deal.
But if you adopt a leadership mindset, your workers will be happier and more motivated to produce. Plus, you'll probably feel a lot more fulfilled yourself.
Creating Leaders in the Workplace
If someone is just the boss, they are often intimidated by someone who possesses leadership qualities. These types of bosses will often try and bury that leadership. They feel that they will lose control if there are other leaders in the workplace.
Not so with a leader. If a leader notices people in their organization that could be leaders, they focus their efforts on that person and enable them to grow.
The more good leaders you build up in the workplace, the less hands-on you have to be. There's nothing like being able to trust your people to take care of business without needing any micro-management.
How To Become a Great Leader
There are entire books written on becoming great leaders. But a lot of those books boil down to a few main points. So how do you become a great leader?
Get to know yourself. What are your limitations? What can you improve?
Develop excellent communication. Communication involves talking and listening.
Invest in others. There is a massive ROI when you invest in other people.
Care genuinely about people. If someone is just a body in the office, how will you invest in them?
There is no formula or five-step process to becoming a great leader. The best way to start making changes is to find a successful leader and learn from them.
What changes or goals can you make today to set yourself on the road to incredible leadership?