Be a Leader Not a Boss
- September 28, 2020
- Posted by: billsimmonslive@gmail.com
- Categories: Entrepreneurs, Leadership, Small Business
Are you a boss or a leader? It may seem like semantics but there’s actually a fundamental difference I’ve noticed in all my work with business owners.
Bosses come across as demeaning and demanding. They have this mindset: “I’ve hired you, now go do what I tell you to do and do your job.” This is not motivating to team members and limits their potential for success. Which also limits the business’ potential for success.
Leaders, especially servant leaders, approach their teams with trust, respect, and the ability to allow their teams or team members to fail, so that they may learn from their mistakes and feel empowered to improve.
Are you believing the best in your team right now? Are you treating them with respect? Are you giving them the freedom to make mistakes?
Boss’s shrink the potential in their team and therefore their business. Servant leaders shine the light on their team and as a result, cause others to shine.
Consider whether you’re a boss or a leader.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Boss’s shrink the potential in their team and in their business
- Servant leaders bring out the best in their team
- Boss’s come across as demanding and demeaning which does not motivate their team
- Servant leader’s approach their teams with respect, trust, and the ability to let them fail and learn from their mistakes
- All team members regardless if they are onsite or remote, part-time, full-time, or contracted, deserve respect and to feel a part of the team they serve
ACTION STEPS:
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Make a T-Chart. Put SHRINK on one side and SHINE on the other. What might you be doing as a boss or a leader? List those actions, thoughts, and beliefs in the respective category
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Consider soliciting anonymous feedback from your team members – those that you can trust to be honest and who wouldn’t feel fear of repercussions for answering honestly
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Celebrate all the things you’re doing in the Leader category
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Assess how you can improve those that are identified in the Boss category
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Create an action plan to make improvements