10 Differences Between a Boss and a Leader

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.

		abdulghaniyu salako Student (MBA), Nigeria
	Differences Between Bosses and Leaders Kumar, you have done a nice job. How I wish we wou (...)

		Syed Nihas Student (University), United States
	Leadership Model Anuj, this indeed is a completely new approach to (...)

		Lirim Sulejmani Project Manager, Albania
	Differences Between a Boss and a Leader You've done a nice job, it's really impressive and (...)

		ANUJ KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA Manager, India
	Its my Pleasure SIr Thanks all for your appreciation. Do share this k (...)

		Jeanne-Elvire ADOTEVI HR Consultant, France
	Leadership & Management Great job Anuj Kumar, hightlighting differences be (...)

		ANUJ KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA Manager, India
	Beneficial for Both Himself and Organisation @Jeanne-Elvire ADOTEVI: Thanks for the appreciatio (...)

		Maritim Mary Manager, Kenya
	Differences between a Boss and a Leader Wonderful insight Anuj. Leadership is actually all (...)

		ANUJ KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA Manager, India
	Leaders are the Motivators @Maritim Mary: Thanks a lot for the appreciation. (...)

		Vipul Nahar India
	Some Further Thoughts upon the Leader versus Boss Debate Well, both “Boss” and “Leader” are mere words whic (...)

		Rebecca Roe United States
	This Quote is not Accurate Every leader is not a boss. A boss is someone who (...)

		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 organizatio (...)

		Steven Ellis Analyst, United States
	Being a Boss is OK Your concept is sound, but as @Vipul Nahar pointed (...)

		Andrew Blaine Business Consultant, South Africa
	Differences Between a Boss and a Manager Kumar, now you have compared bosses and leaders, w (...)

		bashir ullah khan Accountant, Pakistan
	Well Defined as a Basic Introduction, but... @Steven Ellis: Very nice Steven. This is not it an (...)

		VILMA JOY VALLE
	Well Explained - Differences Between a Boss and a Leader You have given a good explanation of both categori (...)

		ANUJ KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA Manager, India
	Leaders Always LEAD so Others Will FOLLOW @VILMA JOY VALLE: Thanks a lot for the appreciatio (...)

		Adeyemi Oluwashina Student (Other), Nigeria
	Nice Starting Point Nice one. I wish all bosses respectively will lear (...)

		KARINA
	Every Leader is a Boss, but not Every Boss is a Leader You made your point well. BY having the formal au (...)

		eustace n wachira Kenya
	Leader and Boss To be a leader, one has to understand the diversit (...)

		Kari Egge CEO, Norway
	Not as Straight Forward as You Think in Practice! In my experience, most leaders are not straight fo (...)