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.

		Comments Sort by date Sort by rating Rating
		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