So, you got to be the boss, or maybe you want to be the boss. The dictionary has some interesting definitions of the classic “boss”:
- One who exercises control or authority
- One who directs or supervises workers
- An official having dictatorial authority over an organisation
When you see words like control, dictate, direct and authority it sets an interesting scene for the role of the boss. The implication is that all of a sudden. As the boss, you know more; therefore you can control, direct and dictate to your team using the new authority vested in you by the organisation. You have all the ideas, know all of the answers and make all of the decisions. You become an indispensable asset to the organisation. Well, if all you want to be is the boss and boss people around, then some of the above is true. IT will get you results, but what happens when you aren’t around? Also, how do you think people feel about being bossed?
Of course the modern term “leader” is used these days rather than boss, but is it just a different word for the same thing? Sadly in many organisations the answer is a resounding yes! The definition of a leader has some commonality with that for the boss and it is true that the leader’s role is also to get results for the organisation. The primary difference lies in the methods of
getting results. For the modern leader the objective is to influence people to want to achieve the objectives of the organisation, not simply to use their authority to push people around.
The important word here is “influence.” Influencing is best defined as getting people to want to do what you want them to do. The typical “boss” gets people to do things because they want you to do them, and they use their authority to make sure it gets done.
When you get into a position of leading people you have two types of authority. The first is positional – you have moved “up” the organisation and have been given the delegated authority. The second source of authority is that which you earn because of your values, skills, beliefs, character, knowledge, ethics, experience and even age. I will refer to this as your influencing authority. As a “boss” you are likely to use your delegated authority, as a leader you will mostly use your influencing authority, i.e. that which you have earned. It is ultimately how you use your authority that best determines whether you fit into the boss or leader categories. Nigel Wall is a renowned leadership coach and motivational speaker.