Are you a Boss or a Leader?

 I guess this is not a very common question we stop to ask ourselves. Now, just pause for a moment and ask yourself this question; am I a boss or a leader? Probably an in-depth look at the characteristics that qualify one to either be a leader or a boss will help you know where you fall. But wait a minute, do you think that there is a difference between a boss and a leader? Okay, your answer will vary because I know you are taking it from the perspective of how you see yourself. Here is an interesting view that will amaze you. You may be a boss thinking you are a leader. 

Have you ever asked yourself how your subordinates see you? Who do they interact with you? How do they talk to you? How do they appear before you even without talking? Whats their reaction if you just pop into a place they are or into their conversation? Well, that is how you evaluate whether you are a boss or a leader. The way you relate to your subordinates tell of who you are. Though we cannot fully be described as either bosses or leaders since it depends with the subordinates perception, there are standard characteristics that will general portray our sides.  

What are the characteristics that may portray you as a boss? First of all, when you pop into a room or a conversation with your subordinates, you will see them either dispersing or changing a topic in a manner to suggest that they fear you. Subordinates fear bosses. Consequently, when  you summon a subordinate to your office and see them being too careful with what they say or how they move in your office note that you are a boss. What about when a subordinate has personal challenges which you come to learn of through grapevine? That shows the subordinate fears you. Now, look at this interesting issue here, you call a subordinate and the person starts pleading for forgiveness yet your intention was to pass appreciation for a job well done! That shows that the subordinate believes that any visit to your office is a result of a mistake. A boss instills fear and doubt in the subordinates. 

Have a look at this other scenario; you give subordinates a task and you find it not done despite giving clear instructions and timelines. Well, you may translate this to mean insubordination or absconding of duty. But watch out, maybe your people are used to you supervising them in everything. Supervising is bossy. Some subordinates cannot perform well under supervision. When your subordinate cannot do anything in your absence just know that your are a boss and not a leader. Check out this other scenario; you give your subordinates a task and find they have done something contrary to what you had instructed. This can be some sort of defiance but an indicator that you are a boss. Subordinates hate bosses. 

Now, who is a leader then? What characteristics qualify one to be a leader? A leader is the extreme opposite of a boss. Whereas a boss is feared, a leader is respected. There is a big difference between fear and respect though many use them interchangeably. It is however not easy to know whether one is feared or respected. It takes a lot of keenness to determine that. A leader is friendly and you will find the subordinates feeling free to share even their personal concerns. A leader shows the subordinates what to do and does it with them unlike a boss who simply excludes him/herself from the doing part. While a boss be authoritative and keen to rules a leader employs dialogue and flexibility in anything they do. 

When it comes to decision making, a leader consults the subordinates to arrive at a favorable conclusion. A boss on the contrary solely makes a decision and expects everyone else to follow without questioning. In regard to complaints and concerns by the subordinate, a leader gives then an ear but a boss interprets it to be targeted disturbance. When a leader pops into a place where subordinates are, the person is easily infused into the discussion unlike a boss. You will find a leader attributing his/her success to the team whereas the boss will boast of his great effort. 

These are just but some of the clear differences between a boss and a leader. Now, are you a boss or a leader? I know somebody is only thinking of a boss and a leader in the context of workplaces. I want us to widen our perspective to family, church, mosque, political leadership and non-governmental organizations. A leader will create a good environment at the place where he/she influences while a boss will make life unbearable. Who are you? 

Pass this article to your friends and let us learn together to be good leaders.