The boss is a person who commands a group, a department or an organization. He is invested with decision-making power and is looked to for problem solving.
Leader is also at the head of a group, department, or organization. However, his actions influence the behavior of other people so that the results are achieved in the best possible way.
Many confuse the two words as both are positions of power. However, a boss and a leader have big differences. These distinctions are generally linked to the way in which the individual exercises his power within the group.
boss characteristics
It can be said that it is a "selfish" administration. Despite having the knowledge and experience that his position gives him, a boss exercises power in an authoritarian way, using his position above others to dictate rules and issue orders.
Because of this, the boss tends not to listen to employees, who often feel unmotivated to express their doubts and bring ideas to the debate.
This monopoly of power arouses fear among collaborators, who are seen as subordinates. In this sense, the work group fulfills its tasks without true respect for the boss, as they fear him.
The boss is also not concerned with providing a pleasant environment for the members of the group for which he is responsible. This is because he is more focused on work processes than on the people involved.
Rather, he is always looking for profits and results. This without trying to be aware of who among the members of the organization are better at certain tasks and taking advantage of them in an intelligent way.
As a boss, he sees no need to encourage employees, as he believes that good work is a must.
leader characteristics
A boss cannot be considered a leader, but a leader can be considered a boss. Generally, the leader occupies a position that gives him power and provides decision-making, having knowledge and experience for this.
The leader demonstrates in his actions and in the dialogue an efficient way of dealing with the group for which he is responsible. Members are seen as a team and are often motivated by the leader to do a good job, as they take him as an example.
A leader has the ability to arouse respect from his team members, inspiring and being present in the work processes.
He is also a professional who knows how to listen and admits his mistakes when he makes them, which motivates employees and inspires respect.
The professional in a leadership position is also always attentive to employees and their strengths. Thus, he creates strategies to use the talents he has in the group effectively.
In addition, the leader recognizes the difficulties of the professionals in his team. Therefore, it does its best to help them overcome obstacles and improve their skills. This creates an environment for exchanging knowledge that makes interaction motivating and a growth factor for workers and the company.
See also the difference between:
- Effectiveness, efficiency and effectiveness
- skill and competence
- soft skills It is hard skills
- work and employment
- Microeconomics and macroeconomics
- capitalism and socialism
