10 Differences Between a Boss and a Leader




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ANUJ KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA
Manager, India

10 Differences Between a Boss and a Leader

I would like to start this article with a simple quote: "Every Leader is a Boss, but Every Boss is not a Leader"
To build our understanding of this topic, let's focus on some typical DIFFERENCES between the two categories mentioned:
1. A boss Drives his workers. A leader Coaches them.
2. A boss depends on Authority. A leader depends on Goodwill.
3. A boss creates Fear. A leader creates Enthusiasm.
4. A boss will always say I. A leader will say WE.
5. A boss Knows how it is done. A leader Shows how it is done.
6. A boss Blames someone on a breakdown. A leader Fixes the breakdown.
7. A boss Uses people. A leader Develops people.
8. A boss will say: Go! A leader will say: Let's go!
9. A boss gives Commands. A leader Asks.
10) A boss will Take the credit. A leader will Give credits.
Now consider the differences. There is only a small change of words in every sentence. But this change of wording makes a big difference! What is the reason for this effect?
According to human psychology, the human brain cannot think in words or alphabets, it thinks in images or pictures if you like.
- When you read all the statements about the boss, an image will be formed of present danger.
- When you read the statements about a leader, an image of some nice person comes to mind.
Relate this to practical life. How can such change of words change the quality?
Let's take an example. When you say to an employee "I command you to...", an agony or anger develops unknowingly in the mind of the receiver. Why did this happen? The answer is when the other person hears the word "command", his brain feel that there is someone who is ordering and controlling his body ad he is no longer the master. As a result, a negative signal is being sent to his body for reacting.
But when you say "I ask you to...", the mind of the receiver feels: Wow! He is asking, so we should give. As a result, a positive signal is given to the body and the employee accepts his leader unknowingly as well as what was asked from him in a positive way and will perform his work more effective and efficiently.
To finish off my tip about being a successful leader: DO WHAT YOU EXPECT OTHERS TO DO.
 

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5
abdulghaniyu salako
Student (MBA), Nigeria
 

Differences Between Bosses and Leaders

Kumar, you have done a nice job. How I wish we would all apply it in our day to day life. I bet, th... Sign up

 
2
Syed Nihas
Student (University), United States
 

Leadership Model

Anuj, this indeed is a completely new approach to management. In the past one year I have been expos... Sign up

 
0
Lirim Sulejmani
Project Manager, Albania
 

Differences Between a Boss and a Leader

You've done a nice job, it's really impressive and pushes us towards aiming to be a leader. Best re... Sign up

 
1
ANUJ KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA
Manager, India
 

Its my Pleasure SIr

Thanks all for your appreciation. Do share this kind of concepts amongst the colleagues as the need... Sign up

 
1
Jeanne-Elvire ADOTEVI
HR Consultant, France
 

Leadership & Management

Great job Anuj Kumar, hightlighting differences between being a Boss and being a Leader in this way ... Sign up

 
1
ANUJ KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA
Manager, India
 

Beneficial for Both Himself and Organisation

@Jeanne-Elvire ADOTEVI: Thanks for the appreciation Sir. It's a need of the hour as people often mis... Sign up

 
1
Maritim Mary
Manager, Kenya
 

Differences between a Boss and a Leader

Wonderful insight Anuj. Leadership is actually all about offering and not being offered. Your quote ... Sign up

 
0
ANUJ KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA
Manager, India
 

Leaders are the Motivators

@Maritim Mary: Thanks a lot for the appreciation. Indeed leaders are the benchmark for any group. T... Sign up

 
2
Vipul Nahar
India
 

Some Further Thoughts upon the Leader versus Boss Debate

Well, both “Boss” and “Leader” are mere words which have both formal and informal meanings depending... Sign up

 
4
Rebecca Roe
United States
 

This Quote is not Accurate

Every leader is not a boss. A boss is someone who is hired to manage subordinates. They are to utili... Sign up

 
0
ANUJ KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA
Manager, India
 

Lets Come Out of the Definitions and Look at it in a Practical Way

@Rebecca Roe: Indeed if we look at the organization chart of any organization you'll find positions ... Sign up

 
1
Steven Ellis
Analyst, United States
 

Being a Boss is OK

Your concept is sound, but as @Vipul Nahar pointed out, the titles can be a problem and they are oft... Sign up

 
0
Andrew Blaine
Business Consultant, South Africa
 

Differences Between a Boss and a Manager

Kumar, now you have compared bosses and leaders, what bout comparing bosses and managers? Are they d... Sign up

 
0
bashir ullah khan
Accountant, Pakistan
 

Well Defined as a Basic Introduction, but...

@Steven Ellis: Very nice Steven. This is not it and the list shoulb be longer to define and differen... Sign up

 
1
VILMA JOY VALLE, Philippines
 

Well Explained - Differences Between a Boss and a Leader

You have given a good explanation of both categories. These terms "Boss" and "Leader" and how you de... Sign up

 
1
ANUJ KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA
Manager, India
 

Leaders Always LEAD so Others Will FOLLOW

@VILMA JOY VALLE: Thanks a lot for the appreciation! Of course, the above 10 differences between bo... Sign up

 
0
Adeyemi Oluwashina
Student (Other), Nigeria
 

Nice Starting Point

Nice one. I wish all bosses respectively will learn in sincerity to become not just leaders, but goo... Sign up

 
1
KARINA
 

Every Leader is a Boss, but not Every Boss is a Leader

You made your point well. BY having the formal authority as the boss, everyone knows that you say t... Sign up

 
1
eustace n wachira
Kenya
 

Leader and Boss

To be a leader, one has to understand the diversities of the team members. Tap each resource and giv... Sign up

 
2
Kari Egge
CEO, Norway
 

Not as Straight Forward as You Think in Practice!

In my experience, most leaders are not straight forward bosses or leaders, but a combination of the ... Sign up

   

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