Joié's Blog

As professionals, at some point we’ve all had to report to someone we called our boss. The characteristics of this person could have a major influence on our feelings toward the job. I believe people in higher positions should be mindful of their influence on the work environment.

Employees do not need bosses, they need leaders. Being a boss simply gives you a title and position that allows you to manage others and make decisions. Leaders empower and inspire their team(s) while influencing positive change.

Here are five differences between a boss and a leader:

1. Me vs. We Mindset

A boss is focused on their own needs as far as their goals, career and agenda. A leader considers their team’s professional and personal needs.

2. Results vs. Resources

A boss focuses on results, while a leader provides their team with the proper resources to drive results. Leaders want their employees to feel supported.

3. Blame vs. Accountability 

A boss quickly blames others and doesn’t acknowledge their own faults. A leader holds themselves accountable and reflects on mistakes they can learn from.

4. Criticism vs. Encouragement

A boss criticizes others, and their feedback is often discouraging or unconstructive. A leader encourages their staff by acknowledging strengths and motivating them to give their best.

5. Closed-minded vs. Open-minded

A boss is closed-minded to outside opinions and considers themselves the expert on the topic at hand. A leader is open-minded to new ideas and perspectives of others.

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Knowing the Difference

Employees respect leaders because they allow them to thrive at work. Leaders are empathetic and recognize how important it is to feel valued, appreciated and supported. Employees are less likely to succeed working at an organization where their concerns aren’t being heard, they’re being criticized or their needs aren’t being met. At the end of the day, employees are humans and they need to be respected as well.

Bosses possess an entitled attitude that can neglect the work environment and the performance of their employees. They are focused on employees completing tasks without always offering guidance. This can cause employees to avoid asking questions because they do not want to create conflict.

The bottom line is leaders cultivate other leaders while driving an organization forward. Employees are being encouraged to perform at their best rather than being managed. Leaders are providing resources for employees to complete tasks. Leaders also know how to learn from people because they’re open to new perspectives and ideas.

I would rather work for an organization with leaders that influence other leaders before working for a boss. I want to feel comfortable enough to ask questions and not be criticized for not knowing the answer. I want to be encouraged to share my voice, not to be silenced. I want to be set up to succeed at work, not to fail. I want to be respected and valued at work like many other employees.

Leaders are not always those in high positions. Anyone can gain the skills to embody leadership. Leaders are trustworthy, dependable and responsible problem-solvers. They are also clear communicators, active listeners and relationship builders. The workplace can be full of employees who are leaders when their boss is a leader too.

I challenge you to reflect and ask yourself, are you a boss or a leader?