The 10 differences between a Boss and a Leader

In a previous article we talked about the 10 personality traits that every leader should have, today is the time to record the 10 differences between a boss and a leader.

Boss or Leader?

First, let's define both concepts. "Boss" is defined as the person who has authority or power over a group to direct its work or activities..

Instead, "Leader" is the person who heads and directs a social, political, religious, etc. group or movement.. In principle, the difference is clear. But on a day-to-day basis, there are many attitudes that can make a person enter the profile of leader, or boss.

The 10 differences in the way of running companies between a boss and a leader

We propose to point out the ten most important factors within organizations, since if you occupy a relevant position in the decision making and directing a human group, it is convenient for you to adopt a leadership position, in order to motivate and join forces in organization.

1. Perception of their authority

For a typical boss, authority is a privilege granted by his command post. For a good leader, on the other hand, authority is a privilege only if it is a useful tool for the organization.

The boss endorses the maxim of "I'm the one in charge here"; while the leader finds inspiration from him in the phrase "I can be useful here". The boss spurs the group and the good leader stays in front, guides them and commits himself day by day.

2. Impose vs convince

The boss bases his influence on the authority that comes from the position he holds. The leader earns the sympathy and will of those around him. The boss asserts his position within the hierarchy, while the leader cultivates and cares for his leadership on a daily basis.

The boss feels the need to impose his criteria, using long arguments; the leader convinces and exemplifies, his arguments do not seek to banish others, but to build knowledge and a plan of action.

3. Fear vs confidence

The boss instills fear, fear, tends to threaten, and his team is suspicious of him, they put a good face on him when he is around but they criticize him harshly when he is not present. The leader is a source of trust, empowers people, generates enthusiasm when he works, stimulates the group by recognizing the good work and effort of its members.

The boss needs blind obedience, the leader wants motivation to permeate everyone. If you are afraid of your superior, he is an ordinary boss, if instead you value and appreciate him, your superior is a leader.

4. Managing problems

The boss wants to point out who made the mistake; implants the belief of looking for guilty. In this way, he abronca, punishes and yells if something does not go well, to warn the culprit and the rest of the people.

The leader knows how to understand mistakes and calmly redirects the situation. It is not responsible for pointing out the errors of others or accusing anyone, but rather seeks to solve the problem and help whoever has committed it to get up.

5. Technical organization vs creative organization

The boss distributes the tasks and orders, and remains supervising if his orders are being strictly followed. The leader encourages, provides an example, works hand in hand with his collaborators, he is consistent with what he thinks, with what he says and with what he does.

The boss makes tasks an obligation, but the leader knows how to find motivation in each new project. The leader conveys the desire to live and progress.

6. Orders vs pedagogy

The boss knows how everything works, the leader knows how to teach each task, he knows how to teach. The first is suspicious of his secret that has led him to success, the second decisively protects people so that they can develop and even surpass him, The boss organizes the production, but the leader prepares them to reach their full potential.

7. The degree of personal closeness

The boss relates to his team in a depersonalized way, like pieces on a board. The leader knows personally all his collaborators, he is genuinely interested in their lives, he does not use or objectify them. He is respectful of the personality of each one, he defends people regardless of their position in the hierarchy.

8. Closed schemes vs open schemes and in constant development

The boss says "do this", the leader says "let's do this". The boss pursues stability, the leader promotes his collaborators through group work and the training of other leaders. The leader is able to integrate the sincere commitment of those around him, designs plans with clear and shared goals, infects others with his hope and determination.

9. Comply vs lead

The boss arrives on time, but the leader always arrives first. The boss waits for the collaborators sitting in his armchair, the leader goes out to welcome them. The leader wants to always maintain his presence as a guide to the group and inspires commitment, warmth and loyalty. The boss is satisfied with an acceptable performance of his members, the leader wants to see further and wants his group to stand out.

10. Power vs inspiration

The boss defends tooth and nail his position of authority; the leader makes normal people feel extraordinary. The boss craves reverence, but the leader manages to commit his team to a mission that allows them to excel and transcend. The boss wants to keep his privileges; the leader gives meaning and inspiration to his work, his life and that of those around him.

Bibliographic references:

• Landolfi, Hugo (2009). The essence of leadership, Ediciones Dunken, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Showalter, M. J., and Mulholland, J. TO. (1992): "Continuous Improvement Strategies for Service Organizations." Business Horizons.