The Art of Leading Without Being A Boss
“Senior executives are paid hefty salaries to take small no. of high-quality decisions that benefit the company’s overall growth” — Jeff Bezos
The art of being a leader without being a boss lies in these small no. of high-quality decisions. And these decisions comprise sustaining a healthy work ecosystem, inspiring employees to grow together as a team, lead with charisma, and possess the ability to think and act rationally.
Why being a boss is a bad thing?
If you ask any of your friends, colleagues, or even yourself — how is your boss? Is he worthy of being a boss?
Although you’ll get some positive answers, which I think is very rare. But most of them would tell you very different stories, which, pretty much, would conclude to — ‘the boss being a toxic element in their life.
Why is that so? You may ask.
Well, because,
- Bosses are a form of centralized control and authority
- Their responses towards employees are biased towards hierarchy
- Their managing methods are driven by instilling fear rather than inspiration
- Meeting project goals are of more priority to them than their fellow’s wellbeing
A leader on the other hand is the complete opposite of a boss,
- a leader is a coach, a boss is a manager.
- a leader is a team player, a boss is a spectator in the skybox.
- a leader is a paramedic, a boss is the cause of injury.
Leadership means not only being a role model in the eyes of the employees but also being a significant contributor to the growth of the company, both commercially and morally.
According to DDI, a global leadership consulting, leadership development has a significant positive impact on the overall business.
Their extensive research quantified this claim, the data showed that the companies saw an average growth of;
114% ↑ in sales,
36% ↑ in productivity, and
105% ↓ in grievances, by adopting leaders.
So, how to lead without being a boss?
1) Build a trusted network
Trust and transparency should be of paramount importance when it comes to developing and nurturing a healthy work environment. As a leader, you should strive to grow trust among your peers.
A trusted network performs equally well in your presence as well as in your absence. It can be done by being inclusive with their work, encouraging them to collaborate, and creating social bonds.
2) Give ideas, not just orders
A true leader is also an innovator. As a leader, you should be able to bring ideas to the table and not just a set of advice that can raise the working standard.
This has an immense positive upbeat among the employees. It triggers positive thinking and a sense of equality.
3) Convey positivity
As a leader of the organization, every move you make, and every statement you deliver will have an impact on the team.
A warm body language such as upright posture, making eye contact while talking, and even a formal hug occasionally to show appreciation will get you closer to being a true leader.
4) Treat equally
Keep this in mind, the position of the job doesn’t define the talent and capability of the person. Always treat your peers equally.
Ratan Tata once confessed that he regretted not communicating with his shop-floor workers of TATA MOTORS earlier. He then decided to have regular meetups with them and talked about the hardships that they are going through.
Showing empathy towards the workforce is the quality of a true leader.
