Vartika Kashyap* outlines some of the crucial differences between being a leader — and just being a boss.
The leader versus boss debate is never ending.
However, after working for a good many years, I have got a few insights I believe can bring this debate to a constructive conclusion.
After tons of consideration and a careful evaluation of my experience at ProofHub, I can bring forth the winning characteristics of a leader in the leader-versus-boss debate.
A Leader Has a High Emotional Quotient.
Bosses are subject matter experts, but leaders are emotional and people experts.
Great leaders have the perfect reactions and strategies for everyday workplace scenarios.
That’s because they’re well aware of other people’s feelings and are in tune with their own feelings.
A Leader Depends on Influence, Not Authority.
One of the biggest differences between the boss and leader is authority dependency.
While a boss depends on the power that comes along with the position and title, a leader creates an influence that is not dependent on power or position.
A Leader Wants You to Be More Successful Than They Are.
This is a huge one. A boss always wants to be the boss.
On the contrary, a leader wants others to become the boss.
They would proudly help an employee build a career progression plan and make it a reality.
A Leader Gets Joy From Others’ Successes.
I can’t express how much happiness and joy I get whenever I see my team members excel in their professional as well as personal lives. It’s just amazing.
Sadly, one can rarely expect such a thing from a boss.
Bosses usually get pleasure from being recognised for a great job.
A Leader Is Driven by Passion and Purpose.
Leaders are always motivated by the passion and purpose they carry daily.
Bosses are driven by fear and reaction.
Also, most bosses nurture an atmosphere of fear so that people tell them what they want to hear.
In challenging times of change, a leader stays driven by their passion and keeps others motivated too.
The differences between leadership and management are simple — bosses manage their employees, while leaders inspire and strive for innovation and perfection.
What you want to become is completely your choice.
*Vartika Kashyap is Chief Marketing Manager at project managing company ProofHub. She can be contacted on Twitter at @kashyapvartika.
This article first appeared on the ProofHub website.
