The words “boss” and “leader” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have very different connotations. A boss is anyone who is in a position of authority over others, and not all bosses are good leaders. A leader, on the other hand, is someone who motivates and brings out the best in others.
What Is Positive Communication?
One thing that all true leaders have in common is positive communication, something you can read about here if you need more information. Leaders use words in ways that make others feel good about themselves and the work they’re doing, and they convey even negative information positively. The following are 7 ways that bosses and leaders use communication differently.
- Talking Vs. Listening
Bosses tend to believe that their authority gives their words a great deal of importance, and that’s why they talk first. They set the agenda, they lay out a plan, and then they expect compliance. A good leader, on the other hand, gets input on plans from every team member who has a stake in the project and pays attention to workers who have experience and expertise.
- Scolding Vs. Advising
Bosses respond to mistakes by scolding and shaming employees for their poor work. Leaders, however, try to understand what went wrong and help the employee find a way to fix the problem. That might mean providing additional training or moving the employee to a different task more suited to his or her skills.
- “I” and “You” Vs. “We”
Another big difference between bosses and leaders can be seen in the pronouns they use most often. Bosses separate themselves from their underlings by speaking of “I” and “you” as two entities with completely different roles and responsibilities. A leader, however, uses “we” to emphasize that the work is a shared venture that everyone participates in.
- Taking Credit Vs. Giving Credit
Because bosses are concerned primarily with their own success, they are quick to take credit for any achievement. Leaders are more interested in motivating workers by rewarding individual accomplishments. That’s why leaders are quick to give credit where it’s due.
- Setting Boundaries Vs. Building Bridges
Bosses protect their authority by setting boundaries. They stay behind a closed door, and they have an assistant to answer the phone or schedule appointments. Leaders are more likely to have an open-door policy that encourages open and relaxed communication.
- Investing in Tools Vs. Investing in People
Bosses often see technology as the answer to every problem, and they are quick to invest money in the latest tools that promise to eliminate human error or inefficiency. Leaders, however, invest in people. They look for ways to help employees learn, grow, and develop valuable skills that will be a long-term asset to the company.
- Enforcing Rules Vs. Leading By Example
Bosses believe in the value of rules and take pleasure in enforcing them. Leaders, on the other hand, lead by example. When employees perceive that their leader has an excellent work ethic and an enthusiastic attitude, they will most likely approach their own work in the same way.
Leadership involves investing in relationships, looking for the best in others, and helping others to grow. Positive communication is the key to effective leadership, and fortunately, it’s a skill that anyone can learn with practice.