Boss vs Leader in the New Norm

Go to content

Boss vs Leader in the New Norm

Campbell M Gold.com
Published by Campbell M Gold in Misc · Saturday 24 Aug 2024
Tags: Boss, Leader, New, Norm, Post, COVID, Knowledge, Workers, Management, Leadership, Ability, Experience, Expertise, Education
Boss vs Leader

In our post-COVID world of "new norms," leaders, not bosses, must manage “knowledge workers effectively”—those with high levels of ability, experience, expertise, or education...

Empowerment is a central part of a manager's or supervisor's responsibility. They must create, distribute, and apply knowledge and no longer act as 'order-barking bosses'. Instead, they should coach their team members, giving them the freedom and support to fulfil their roles efficiently, with personal satisfaction and a meaningful sense of achievement.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and leadership development with these 52 leadership keys. By considering and applying one key each week, you can better understand "Boss vs Leader" over a year and personally adapt and apply these principles.

The 52 Keys of Leadership

So, what is the difference between a boss and a leader?

  1. A boss "commands," and a leader "asks".
  2. A boss "commands," and a leader "coaches".
  3. A boss "commands," and a leader "listens and speaks".
  4. A boss apportions blame, and a leader corrects mistakes.
  5. A boss chooses favourites, and a leader establishes equal relationships.
  6. While a boss communicates downward, a leader has an open-door policy so they can listen to their team members.
  7. A boss controls, and a leader trusts.
  8. A boss counts value, and a leader creates value.
  9. A boss creates circles of power, and a leader creates circles of influence.
  10. A boss creates fear, and a leader creates confidence.
  11. A boss criticises and demoralises, a leader commends effort and gives constructive guidance.
  12. A boss demands respect, and a leader commands/earns respect.
  13. A boss dictates, and a leader inspires.
  14. A boss drives the team, and a leader points the way.
  15. A boss encourages team members to be silent, and a leader encourages team members to speak.
  16. A boss expects significant results, and a leader is generous with praise.
  17. A boss focuses on deadlines, and a leader focuses on outcomes.
  18. While a boss focuses on the organisation's structure to maintain the status quo, a leader focuses on the organisation's vision.
  19. A boss gives answers, and a leader seeks solutions.
  20. A boss gives excuses, and a leader offers solutions.
  21. A boss holds power, and a leader gives it away.
  22. A boss is "economical with the truth,", and a leader is transparent and accountable.
  23. A boss is "results-oriented", and a leader is "people-oriented".
  24. A boss is a know-it-all with a closed mind; a leader has an open mind.
  25. A boss is a menace; a leader is an inspiration.
  26. A boss is always at the forefront, and a leader is in the background.
  27. A boss is cold, and a leader is compassionate.
  28. A boss is interested in themselves, and a leader is interested in the group.
  29. A boss is just a boss; a leader is like a colleague.
  30. A boss is never wrong; a leader learns from his and others' mistakes.
  31. A boss is not approachable; a leader is easy to talk to.
  32. A boss is not sensitive to the needs of his team; a leader is understanding.
  33. A boss is rigid, and a leader is flexible.
  34. While bosses isolate themselves from their subordinates, leaders promote inclusion and work alongside the team to help them develop and succeed.
  35. A boss knows everything and a leader asks questions.
  36. A boss lets others do the work, and a leader works hard themselves.
  37. A boss makes work struggle, and a leader makes work enjoyable.
  38. A boss manages work, and a leader leads people.
  39. A boss places the blame, and a leader takes the blame.
  40. A boss points to others as examples; a leader models the behaviour and character they expect from their team members.
  41. A boss projects an image or fake persona; what you see is what you get from a leader.
  42. A boss raises their voice; a leader never does this, no matter what.
  43. A boss says what they "need" to say and moves on, while a leader establishes rapport with their team members.
  44. A boss sees delegation as an enemy, and a leader sees delegation as their best friend.
  45. A boss sees team members as subordinates; a leader flattens the organisational chart and seeks input from the team.
  46. A boss sees the team as a resource, and a leader considers the team an asset.
  47. A boss shields/protects their position, and a leader creates more leaders.
  48. While a boss speaks in terms of "I, me, and myself," a leader says, "We and us."
  49. While a boss suppresses new ideas ("not invented here"), a leader encourages new and lateral thinking.
  50. A boss takes credit, and a leader gives credit where credit is due.
  51. A boss tears people down, and a leader builds people up.
  52. A boss thinks short-term, and a leader thinks long-term. Look back to see forward.

Final Thought

A leader makes a good boss, but a boss does not necessarily make a good leader: consequently, in any organisation, a "boss" is dispensable, whereas a true "leader" is indispensable!

Best wishes as you continue your journey of self-discovery and leadership adventure.

12/07/2023




There are no reviews yet.
5 
0
4 
0
3 
0
2 
0
1 
0
Enter your rating:
Back to content