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There is a difference between someone who leads and someone who is a boss.  Bosses do not always make great leaders.  Just because you might own the business or have more knowledge of a specific area, does not mean that you are the best leader in that business or to lead that project or task.  Those who lead, usually lead well.  However, not everyone in a leadership role, leads well, especially if he/she has the “boss” mentality.   People who are bosses, usually “boss” people around well.  Which type of person would you rather work for?  Bosses are usually bossy.  Leaders are usually inclusive and diplomatic when reaching decisions.  A true leader also knows when to follow.  Bosses tend to exert his/her authority and desires to be in control, so much that they usually are combative when they have to follow.  It is better to be a leader than boss.  Bosses should learn effective leadership skills. 

 

Effective leadership skills do not just include having knowledge or expertise of a particular subject matter, it also includes: effective open and transparent communication skills (involves active listening), strategic data-driven decision making, inclusivity when soliciting feedback from employees, time management skills, good organizational leadership, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution strategist, and creative problem solving skills.  Leaders who possess those characteristic traits are leaders that people tend to want to follow. 

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In contrast, bosses usually possess the ability to micro-manage, delegate, treat people as inferior/subordinate, hoard information, he/she have a, "my way is the best and only way and do as I say" attitude, and do not value feedback from others when working on collaborative projects.  Bosses can really benefit from learning how to be effective leaders that people want to follow.  It is better to be a leader who leads effectively, than a boss who bosses people around as a way to demonstrate leadership.  The bossy style of leadership is actually poor leadership that will usually result in high employee turnover.  If the people who work with you stay with the company for a long period of time, it could be because of your effective leadership style.  If the people who work with you have a pattern of leaving the company, it could be because you have poor leadership skills and are more of a boss than a leader.  Leaders know how to talk to their employees.  Bosses usually talk at their employees. 

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Below are ways you can develop good leadership skills that could help you retain quality employees.

 

Take continuing education courses that can teach you about effective leadership skills.

 

Through leadership development courses you can learn about developing critical thinking skills.

 

Learn how to motivate others.

 

Develop emotional intelligence.

 

Listen and communicate effectively.

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Learn how to accept constructive feedback.

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Learn how to handle conflict.

 

Practice discipline and diplomacy.

 

Learn how to follow, when necessary. 

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Learn to work as a part of a TEAM environment.

 

Analyze your own strengths and weaknesses.

 

Learn how to make data-driven decisions to strategically problem-solve effectively. 

 

People don't leave jobs, they leave bosses.  No one wants to work with someone who is bossy, so it’s best to be a true leader who leads effectively.  You can find courses on organizational leadership online at Udemy, EdX, Coursera, Cornell and Harvard Universities, to name a few.  Be a Great Leader!

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By Bryce Thompson