Everyone has a boss.
Even bosses have bosses whether they work for major corporations or small
businesses. Owners of such enterprises themselves have the shareholders or
customers to answer to in order to keep the business moving and growing.
In today’s fast-paced,
competitive and money driven society, the boss has, in many cases, ceased from
being a leader and has strictly become a higher up who spouts orders and
expects them to be obeyed without question. Such behavior has resulted in
businesses being filled with disgruntled employees who no longer work for the
common good of the company, but reluctantly show up to their “job” in order to
draw a paycheck or become ravenous dogs fighting it out for the top spots so
they can give the orders.
However, the underlying
attitudes produced by such actions can be quite damaging to a business as
bosses become chariot taskmasters cracking whips to drive their employees
onward towards the goal. It is much healthier for all involved if companies
hire and nurture leaders who are willing to take the lead positions and pull
their employees forward by example.
The major difference
between bosses and leaders is that bosses create disharmony, reluctance and
internal fighting which can make reaching the goal difficult while leaders
provide encouragement, pride and cooperation which not only drives the business
to reach the goal, but quite often surpasses the goal. In a race between the
two chariots, the one being drawn by the leader will ultimately reach the
finish line before the one being whipped and prodded by a dictatorial task
master. The employees of the leader will also have elevated spirits that are
rearing and raring to tackle the next race.
Characteristics of the Boss
Although ‘boss’ is
generally defined as a person who is in charge of overseeing workers, its use
as an adjective reflects someone who gives orders in a manner that is
domineering. This, in a nutshell, is the root characteristic of a boss.
The boss tends to only
work towards the goals set by their higher ups so that they look good. Because
profits have become the ‘golden idle’ of business, bosses tend to exploit those
under them by paying them the least amount possible while extracting the most
work that they can.
The boss drives his
underlings onward through fear and intimidation. They set their authority as
the supreme law for those under them who are expected to serve and toil without
question. They demand respect simply based on their position and, if
questioned, will dole out swift punishments or offer severe threats that send
the brow-beaten employees back to their laborious tasks in the rank and file
system.
Characteristics of the Leader
A leader also has the
authority to manage, but they tend to have a much more positive influence.
‘Leader’ is synonymous with ‘conductor’ and is defined as the principal
performer of a group such as the lead horse in the chariot scenario. The leader
takes charge by example and those under his influence are encouraged and given
direction accordingly.
The leader provides an
admirable example for his employees to follow. He inspires his followers to
perform and reach towards his level of expertise which, in turn, improves their
skills and experience. The team is, therefore, strengthened by the leader’s
example as they are provide clear guidance and all are exalted in their
abilities.
Employees of the leader
are also edified and made to feel an active part of the business whole. This is
because the leader encourages his employees to make suggestions, offer ideas,
discuss pros and cons, all of which strengthen the fabric of the overall
business. A leader may spend the extra time and money on morale-building
activities or additional training like error prevention or leadership training because
he or she knows it will benefit the company’s employees and enrich them as
people.
Comparing Results – Which is best, being the
boss or leadership?
When comparing bosses
and leaders, the leader garners real respect through his example while the boss
demands respect through his position of authority only. The well-being of
employees is also guarded and attended by the leader whereas the boss’s only
concern is the level of productivity and meeting goals. The ‘we’ and ‘let’s go’
expressions of the leader builds pride, confidence and a sense of belonging
with his followers, but the ‘I’ and ‘you go’ attitude of the boss breeds
isolation and inferiority.
When it comes down to
bottom-line results between a boss and a leader, the leader inspires much
greater productivity and success which are often thwarted by the driving,
authoritarian nature of the boss. Employees being led forward are much happier,
more productive and more creative than those driven forward by demand.
In order for a business
to thrive and flourish, it requires the full cooperation, effort and positive
energy of its employees. For that atmosphere to exist, employees need those
that assume the lead position, guide by example and inspire them to pull
together towards the common goal of success.
