Bossing or Leading?

I have a magazine clipping in front of me under my PC screen which I have had for many years. Before I retired, I used to have it at work in front of me as an important reminder.

I don’t remember where I got this clipping but it has provided inspiration and guidance to me for many years. I still look at it from time to time to make sure I am following the advice.

Unfortunately, I don’t remember where I got this and there is no name on it to give the author the credit.

This small clipping has 15 observations relating to leadership. It specifically differentiate a Leader from a Boss. You may find them cliché but I think they are valuable if practiced.

As you know, I also advocate good leadership not only in business but also in our personal lives with our family, friends and society. These observations can also apply to anyone in any situation.

Let me list them for you first before I go on.

• The boss drives people; the leader coaches them.
  
• The boss depends on authority; the leader on goodwill.
  
• The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm.
  
• The boss says “I”; the leader says “WE.”
  
• The boss says “Get here on time”; the leader gets there ahead of time.
  
• The boss fixes blame for the breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown.
  
• The boss knows how it is done; the leader shows how.
  
• The boss says “Go”; the leader says “LET’S GO.”
  
• The boss uses people; the leader develops them.
  
• The boss sees today; the leader also looks at tomorrow.
  
• The boss commands; the leader asks.
  
• The boss never has enough time; the leader makes time for things that count.
  
• The boss is concerned with things; the leader is concerned with people.
  
• The boss works hard to produce; the leader works hard to help people to produce.
  
• The boss takes the credit, the leader gives it.

Again, they may sound simple or cliché but they are very powerful in shaping our character and behavior. I think the challenge is when you are in the moment, which side you tend to gravitate to. We can all agree with these observations but doing them consistently on a sustained basis takes a lot of discipline and courage.

Do you agree?