Boss vs. leader Who is better? by Pilar Ortiz

There is a big difference between a boss and a leader. Yes, they are not the same. Both have a strong decision-making capacity. However, their mode of operation is not the same. 

How do we identify them, and which role is more effective? 

Within any organization, someone must have the baton. Someone in charge of directing actions and strategies. Someone capable of organizing and laying the foundations for optimal development, with authority, and making the necessary corrections. 

These people are known as the heads and they become bosses or leaders according to the style they choose to do things. 

The boss is the one who exercises his authority through orders and, when there is a failure in the process, he is the one who looks for culprits rather than solutions. 

In my coaching sessions, I have heard so much pain and conflict from my clients when talking about their bosses. Many times I hear statements like: "he drains my energy", "he just repeats and repeats, but never applies", "he never lets me talk, he wants everything his way, and that's it".

These types of figures are the ones who generally dominate within the organization and also waste the potential and talents of their people, as they are more focused on controlling than on personnel development. 

Contrary to the boss, we have the leader. I am convinced that effective leadership moves and guides the organization, generates attachment and commitment from the employees. But before we talk about this, let's identify its qualities. 

A leader motivates, inspires, listens, and knows the talents of his people to delegate functions according to the strengths of each one. This figure is not there to give orders but to work as a team, giving autonomy and freedom to his collaborators. 

We identify him when he is included in the processes and looks for solutions by integrating all parties. 

Which is more effective? Well, without wanting to make a judgment, experience has shown me that the leader has a much stronger capacity to impact people's lives and therefore his organization. The legacy left by those who inspire and motivate is much deeper than that of those who are only leading from a position of "superiority". 

Remember a leader who has passed through your life, the lessons he or she left you, and how he or she passed them on. Then, think about that boss who drained your energy, how did he or she do it, what did you dislike about him or her? After this exercise, did you see and feel the difference? 

The question is, what kind of figure do you want to be? If you are ready to answer this question, I am waiting for you on my social media so we can talk about it (@pilarortiztv).

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