Sure, you’re the boss … by virtue of your title and your position on the company org chart. But, are you a leader?
There are plenty of bosses in the world, but there can never be enough leaders. The good news is: You can make the transition from just being the boss to being a true leader within your organization. It all starts with understanding the difference between the two. Numerous expert sources, including Inc., Forbes and Villanova University, make these distinctions:
- Bosses drive others. Leaders coach others toward their best individual and team performance.
- Bosses instill fear. Leaders inspire enthusiasm, ownership and engagement.
- Bosses blame others. Leaders take responsibility and work to repair damage, so it never happens again.
- Bosses think only in terms of themselves, depending on their own authority. Leaders think in terms of “we,” depending – along with their entire team – on mutual accountability and trust.
- Bosses know how it’s done. Leaders show how it’s done.
- Bosses take the credit. Leaders give credit to others.
- Bosses say “go!” Leaders say, “Let’s go!”
- Bosses demand deference. Leaders earn it.
- Bosses micromanage. Leaders seek the best ideas from everyone, then allow team decisions to be made. Those who take on parts of a project make their own choices and act upon them. This results in greater efficiency, enhanced job satisfaction, and sharper skillsets.
Choose Leadership
When you make a choice to become a leader, there are some things you have to give up, but the pros far outweigh the cons.
In developing leadership qualities, you’ll need to sacrifice your ego, always doing things your way and never having your viewpoint challenged. You’ll gain far more than you lose, as you create an atmosphere of trust, collaboration and the credibility that comes from who you are, not just what you say or do. You have the chance to change lives – and your business – for the better, including your own life and career outlook.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
That’s what your best people want from you as a leader. And it’s your job to deliver it.
As you develop leadership and other skills to improve workforce performance and engagement, turn to the PrideStaff Modesto team to fine-tune your strategy and turn plans into action. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.
