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Are you leading your division or are you bossing it? Find the difference

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Business Tips in Indonesia
Labor & Employment
Sep 17, 2019
2266
This is a big question everyone is asking themselves. Are you a leader or a boss? Of course, most of them would probably answer “leader” as they think they lead their subordinates to the greater good. But, let us be honest, is it the greater good or your own good?

While people think they are leaders, unfortunately, they are just the boss, without they realize. So, how to differentiate between the two? Here are the differences.

First things first, leadership demands constructive behavior. Being a leader does not mean that you are being on top of them all. Instead, despite being at a higher position, you need to go down and listen then speak. Listening is better than speaking and everyone agrees.

Leaders don’t need to shove his/her ideas to their subordinates. But, they listen well to what their subordinates have in mind and offer constructive advice and support to strive together.

A leader does not build a “wall” to prove that they are higher. All your subordinates know that you are the leader. But, if you are only bossing them instead of leading them, what good will it be? Bosses can only push their subordinates to do what they will, while leaders will roll up their sleeves and struggle together with their subordinates.

While it seems ambiguous, leaders don’t scold their subordinates. Not only will it cause hatred and fear but also it will only halt the production process. Never scold your subordinates both in front of others or in private. Instead of scolding, try a more constructive approach by telling them that “everyone makes mistake” and then, support them by giving them the advice and criticism they need.

Bosses tend to ignore their subordinates and then get furious when their subordinates missed the target or failed to do what they had in mind. This behavior might be seen as a sign of fear that someday they will take their place as a boss. Leaders don’t do that. On the contrary, they invest time to see the progress of what they are doing. Leaders don’t mind to share their experience and knowledge without fear that someday they will overtake.

While these differences don’t cover all differences between a boss and a leader, we do hope that you can implement it into your management style. Acting more as a leader is better than being a boss is what you need to take your subordinate forward.

Source: https://www.villanovau.com/resources/leadership/differences-between-boss-and-leader/

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