Is it better to be a respected boss or a loved leader?

By Brian Maynor

 

A boss and a leader are not the same thing. They can be, and probably should be, but all too often bosses are simply bosses and not leaders.

Think about it, you have two very different pictures when you think of a boss versus a leader. A boss resides in a nice corner office; commands attention and number one goal is getting things done, and a leader can be sitting next to you; defers attention to focus on the team and not only gets things done, they motivate and empower others.

So how do you go from being a boss to being a leader? It’s actually quite simple, and here are a few comparisons to help:

 

1.    “I” vs. “We”. Bosses often focus on their position as head of the team and direct people on what to do, but leaders see themselves as part of the team and work to keep everyone engaged and focused on achieving the desired outcome.

2.    Use vs. Develop. Bosses are project focused and therefore they tend to be shortsighted and use people to achieve the immediate goal with little attention on the future. Leaders on the other hand are focused on people and therefore work with and develop them for continued growth and success.

3.    Fear vs. Respect. It doesn’t take a Miranda Priestly reference to illustrate that bosses tend to ‘rule’ an office through inspiring fear, whereas leaders work alongside others and earn respect that in turn becomes loyalty.

4.    Takes Credit vs. Gives Credit. When a project is successful a boss will take credit for the work of the team highlighting their role as delegator of tasks, but a leader defers personal credit in favor of crediting the contribution of the entire team.

5.    Micromanage vs. Delegates. Bosses will micromanage employees; making them feel examined under a microscope, where a leader encourages ownership and freedom by delegating tasks, but is always available when needed.

 

Not to say that bosses are terrible people or ineffective at achieving goals, they just create a very different working environment than a leader, but one inescapable difference is that a good boss can be a bad leader, but a good leader will never be a bad boss.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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