The Difference Between Leaders and Bosses

"An army of sheep led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by a sheep." - Alexander The Great

Some people say leaders and bosses have the same definition but the truth is, they are two different peas in a different pod. Every leader can be a boss though they aren't necessarily ones but not every boss can't be a leader. When people think about success and prestige in life, they think about status, position in business and society, and they dream more about being a boss, not a leader. To be a great leader, it requires much more credibility and responsibility than being a boss. A boss is more interested in results and profits but a leader feels responsible for the process and his people’s interest. Because a great leader believes in democratic unity more than a single tyranny. Here are some great ethics that distinguish a leader from a boss :

(i) Leaders Motivate. Bosses Intimidate

Failure is inevitable when someone is working on projects or anything. People have their ups and downs, doubts and problems. When this happen, leaders will motivate their people to be strong and help them find a solution. Bosses are more likely to approach things by intimidation and force their people to work more until they get the results. Leaders are the best foundation to support their people through all kinds of adversity, helping them whenever bad situations let them down. Leaders believe that each member is on the team for the best cause. They have faith in every given effort and contribution.

(ii) Leaders Listen And Respond. Bosses Give Orders And Demand

Good leaders will always listen to the opinions and thoughts of their team members. They are open to any new opinions that can benefit each and everyone of them. No such thing as an unimportant thoughts. Bosses like to give orders. They want their employees or team members to listen and obey them. Leaders are always ready for learning, teaching, advising and giving any constructive feedback that might help their people to excel. Without any hesitation, any individual that they lead will feel more confident and motivated to do better, and mostly be better.

(iii) Leaders Lead. Bosses Rule

Leaders will lead their people with honor while bosses will rule their people with pride. The best generals will lead their troops with respect and integrity. People around them are not afraid of losing because they know that their leader will guide them to the path of success. Bosses tend to rule their people and they will always put themselves first before others. Bosses choose their priorities more than their people. Every chance of advantage is an opportunity for them to gain more power. But not leaders. Leaders are democratic and believe in the power of teamwork.They will work side by side with their team members and lead them forward.

(iv) Leaders Find Solution. Bosses Find Reason

Whenever problem arises or conflict happens, leaders will find a solution. But bosses will find a reason that causes the problem or anyone that they can put the blame on. Leaders will focus on solving the problem. They don’t care who did it and why it happen. Because finding a solution is the only way to keep moving forward. Leaders understand that they are dealing with people and no one has the right to humiliate others, especially in public. When push comes to shove, leaders will talk to the person individually, and negotiate to find a better way to avoid future mistakes.

(v) Leaders Establish Equal Relationship. Bosses Create Hierarchy

Many people have worked with bosses that create hierarchy in their company. Organizing people into different ranks or levels of importance, their favorites get a better treatment than non-favorites and many more. This can cause stress and tension among team members which in turn, affects productivity and progresses. Good leaders will treat everyone equally and they will not allow any personal preferences in their team. There are two kinds of manager in any professional work; leaders and bosses. Leaders will lead their people to success but bosses may gain their personal interests more than the productivity of the people under them.

(vi) Leaders Create Teamwork. Bosses Create Hard Work

Leaders create teamwork and they believe in solidarity. While bosses choose to stay aside, let go some of their works to the people under their command, leaders take initiative and they work together. They monitor the progress, productivity of work, make any necessary adjustments and assist their team members in problems that may occur. Leaders choose to be a big part of the team rather than bossing the team around. They believe that without honoring the team with any teamwork values, they will not achieve any successful results that they want.

Whatever comes out, we've got a better chance of survival if we work together." - Maximus Decimus Meridius, Gladiator

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