Boss vs. Leader

I have been doing a lot of research lately on Servant Leadership.  As part of that research, I came across a quote by H. Gordon Selfridge that validated one of my biggest pet peeves.  Those of you who have worked with me know what it is:  being introduced as or being called BOSS (“B” word).

I always felt that the term had a negative connotation.  I always envisioned a heavy set guy with a cigar hanging out of his mouth, yelling at his employees.  I never wanted to be that type of leader.  I always wanted to be the kind of leader who teammates would respect.  To this day, I cringe every time I am called the “B” word.  Some of my teammates will use the “B” word intentionally to jab at me.  Now that I think about it, I hope they are just having fun.

Sorry, I am back out of the rabbit hole.  Hopefully, this post and the quote will cause you not to say the dreaded “B” word.   Here the quote:

“The boss drives people; the leader coaches them. The boss depends on authority; the leader on good will. The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm. The boss says ‘I’; The leader says ‘WE’. The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown. The boss says, ‘GO’; the leader says lets, ‘GO!’ ” – H. Gordon Selfridge

Thanks for coming in today.

Chris