I was having a conversation with someone a few days ago and our talk drifted to the difference between a boss and a leader. Leadership is one of the most studied topics in organizational science because the majority of each day, for a good number of us, is spent in a work environment. Like it or not most studies indicate that a certain amount of job satisfaction is crucial in worker performance as well as retention. This is why I selected the subject for the podcast below.
But exactly what is the difference between the two? Basically, Leadership is a social influence process while being a boss is a position of authority and yet many people confuse the two. A good example of this was a manager I had once who regarded the department as an extension of their family and employees were treated like children who needed to be told how and what to do and that was the end of it. Needless to say there were not many happy campers around the office, fear was rampant, and morale low.
So let’s look at what makes a good leader versus a boss. To hear the full list of comparisons, listen to the podcast link above.
Which way is up?
A boss develops the marching orders and directs how they will apply to each member of the group. There is no need for consultation as members of your group are expected to do what you think is best to achieve the stated goal. 
As a leader you seek to empower your staff by delegating tasks that are best suited to their skillset, while touching base to make certain they have not been overempowered beyond their capabilities at that point in time. You value their input in charting a course the group will take and work to help each member develop so that they are able to assume more responsibility as they mature in their positions.
Who is responsible here?
Bosses may assign responsibility but do not have to share authority which is part of a morale issue. Studies have shown time and time again that the greatest cause of stress and anxiety for an employee is to be assigned a task without the authority or resources to complete it.
Leaders on the other hand will recruit co-leaders through delegation and share both authority and responsibility as the need arises. A leader recognizes this is one method of allowing an employee to take ownership of a task or project, which encourages their own growth while allowing them to also understand the pressures the leader faces.
High turn over is generally the result of a boss or task oriented management style because this approach centers around “he who wears the crown” and wants to keep it mentality. Yes, there has to be a focus on end results but the person in charge has to map out a course that takes into account how to get there with the people and the skills they have. There is no people orientation in this boss person’s thinking and the expectations become higher and higher which generally cause the employee to either give up and be forced out or they begin to look elsewhere for mental or emotional relief.
It is vitally important for anyone who wants to be an effective business owner or department head to realize that the boss or leader hat is part of your tool kit and at some point one or the other may be required depending on the situation because remember I said bosses plan, organize, staff, and direct . The boss is focused on completing a goal or task, while the leader has the goal in mind and has to figure out a way of inspiring others to want to complete it.
