In a world made up of greed, there needs to be a way to balance life with work. Too many employees nowadays are working themselves, literally, to death and for what? To have the most, and the best, of what life has to offer. They strive for a better car than their neighbor or co-worker, the biggest house on the block, and the most expensive suits or clothes. Our families are getting lost in the shuffle and our health insurance rates are skyrocketing. All in the name of competition, power and consumption.

 

There doesn’t seem to be much of a middle ground anymore. The differences are blatantly obvious: war, suicide, economic and social conflicts, homeless and hungry people are everywhere.

 

I believe there’s a much better way to succeed without losing our morals and good health in the process.

 

A New Approach

 

There are better solutions to incorporate a balance between greed and actual success. We can still be successful in the workplace without stepping on other’s on the way to the top. There should be a balance between the two.

 

• Instead of competition, be cooperative: Every employer loves a team player, but sometimes the team player gets left behind when a promotion is up for grabs. That’s because competition gets in the way of teamwork, and in recent corporate history, those who prove to be competitive, regardless of how it affects the team, are usually the ones who receive the credit and rewards. Instead of being competitive, reward those who truly show what it means to cooperate and work well with others in a team environment.
• Instead of “Me First –Your Last”, use the Win-Win Approach: How about working together to make sure we both win? This approach will not only help everyone become successful, but co-workers will have a deeper respect for you and feel as if they have a loyal, trustworthy member on their side.
• Instead of criticism, use praise: The days of barking orders and being critical are over. Those types of behaviors usually have employees packing their belongings and heading over to your competitor. People make mistakes every day – it’s human nature. It’s easy to focus on the negative, but when you focus on what’s been done right or well, you are boosting the morale of your team. Instead of stating, “This is terrible”, try saying, “I’m not sure this will work, but I like this idea that you have here…”

 

Becoming a Successful Leader

 

There are two types of supervisors or managers: the leader and the boss. The difference between the two are obvious. One leads, one bosses. The two words alone are like day and night. No one likes someone who is bossy, but everyone values and respects a leader.

 

Most authority figures in the corporate world are operating within structure of the competitive approach. This is due to society adapting the values of high achievement, performance, order, competition and aggression.

 

Let’s take a look at some real workplace scenarios that differentiate bosses and leaders:

• The project is at a stand still. The team is unfocused and unable to produce new ideas or suggestions to the table:
  • The Boss will become irate and angry with his team. He tends to focus on “what’s wrong” and will target one person to blame and punish. Although one person may be found at fault, the team will experience a shift in loyalty and will now be working out of fear of the consequences. To them, it could be any one of them who will be the focus of the boss’ wrath next time.
  • The Leader will acknowledge his role within the team. He will take responsibility for his team and help them to regroup and refocus. He will be cooperative and eager to discuss the good points that have been developed thus far. A team is only as good as their leader leads.
• The proverbial staff meeting held weekly or monthly:
  • The Boss will stand at the front of the group and issue orders like a drill sergeant. He doesn’t allow time for feedback, suggestions or questions. This is his time – not yours. It’s about getting the job done, not making the employees feel valued.
  • The Leader will state a clear vision for the meeting. He wants the team to brainstorm issues and be a part of the company’s success. He encourages feedback and asks for questions and input. He sits as a member of that team and participates in the process.
• An employee asks if he/she would be able to work from home part time:
  • The Boss demands that he visually sees you in the office everyday, regardless if the employee interacts with anyone else on a daily basis. He doesn’t bend rules or regulations. He’s doesn’t see compromise or flexibility as an option. He needs to be sure the employee is under his watchful eye at all times on his clock.
  • The Leader will see this as an opportunity. If he feels you don’t need to be physically in the office everyday, he may be able to release your space to someone who does need to be in the office on a daily basis. He trusts the employee and knows he can reach him/her at home and could ask them to come into the office if necessary. He will also provide the tools the employee needs to be successful at home.
• The team is showing low numbers and low performance:
  • The Boss will call a meeting, and once again, dictate what will and won’t be done. He may even reprimand a member of the team in front of everyone, shifting blame and demoralizing his staff. He may even demote employees and put more work on others.
  • The Leader will pull his staff together, push up his sleeves and ask, “What can I do to help or support you?” He will obviously want to know what’s not working and why, but he will also try to help his team find a solution.
• Changes are happening within the company or team:
  • The Boss always has to be in control, even more so when unexpected changes occur. He will try to manipulate and direct the change.
  • The Leader comprehends change. He knows he’ll have to roll with the punches and that changes are a constant phenomenon.
• Marketing strategies against the competition:
  • The Boss only sees a competitor as an enemy that needs to be squashed. His strategy is to “beat”, “clobber” or “overrun” any competitor.
  • The Leader will look for joint ventures. He sees the value of a competitor and understands how it can work towards the company’s benefit.
• Problem solving:
  • The Boss always has to be the Know It All. He has all the right answers and doesn’t value anyone else’s ideas or suggestions. He’ll solve the problem his way, and no other way. He won’ try to figure out where the process broke down.
  • The Leader knows how to ask the right questions to formulate appropriate solutions. He’ll try to find the bug of where things went wrong. He may even ask his team to weigh in.

 

Conclusion

 

As you can see, there are critical differences between a Boss and a Leader. One dictates while the other communicates. You may also be painfully aware of the effects these two types of management styles has on your employees. One creates fear and stress, and the other builds morale and support. The real question is, which one are you going to become and how will it affect your working environment?

Thank you for posting this article.
In challenging times , like the times we live now, leadership is needed more than ever. Knowing the job and what to do is one thing that great people do, but inspiring others to know theirs and believe is great leadership.
Ken, thnak you for your friendship and for leading the coaching industry with great information and coaching.

The role as a Leader is even more important in our industry as we deal with agents that are independent contractors. Don’t try the Boss role on minor differences as by the end of the month you will be looking at an empty office. It is even more crucial to be a Leader in a volunteer activity such as clubs or groups that get together because of like interests and are not there for self monetary gain.