Writers on business leadership often point out the difference between a boss, a leader and a manager. Everyone vested with the authority to direct or supervise others is a boss. A boss has the responsibility and authority to lead; it’s a job title. The title turns into a verb when the boss “bosses” people around. Those who never progress beyond being a boss add little value to their companies or agencies. In fact, they often are impediments and a source of low morale.
“Manager” is also a job title, but in the verb form, the manager actually “manages” projects and people. A good manager mobilizes those under his or her supervision to get things done in an efficient and ethical manner. Good managers are valuable assets to every organization. Most bosses can be trained to become effective managers.
The most valuable contributors to an organization are the managers progress to the status of a leader. Leadership is not a matter of title or position it is a matter of influence and action. Calling oneself or another person a leader is inconsequential. A leader is a person who leads, a person who others willingly follow.
A good leader inspires others with confidence in him/herself; a great leader inspires others to have confidence in themselves. Great leaders not only assure that things are done right, they assure that the right things are done. They get the most out of the people who work with them. Great leaders not only produce great results they also produce other leaders.