Once we are beyond babyhood, we all lead – in different ways and at different times for sure, but the basic point holds true. So this is a question for us all.
Have you come across people who tend to dominate the conversation when they’re in a group? Or try to, as though it really matters to them? Some people think that that’s being ‘a leader’, but in fact it’s probably either a sign of insecurity, or just a very bad habit. In formal group situations, one of the key jobs of the Chair/leader is to constantly encourage everyone to be involved, and to self-consciously NOT dominate.
Have a look at this photo. If you haven’t seen it before, try to identify the lead wolf in the pack (there is one, it’s not a trick). If you’ve seen the photo before and you already know who the leader is, try to remember where the strongest wolves are – there are two mini-groups of them. Then read on…
The internet is awash with stuff about the differences between boss behaviours and leader behaviours – there are hundreds of offerings on dozens of sites and they seem to pop up regularly on my Linkedin feed. From those I’ve read, here are 20 suggested differences between boss behaviours and leader behaviours that I find interesting. For each pair, you might like to reflect on which one of them is the best fit for your own typical behaviour.
But wait, I hear you say: ‘different strokes for different folks’; some situations call for boss behaviour while others call for leader behaviour. Even if that’s true, I’m talking here about typical behaviour, what we tend to do, what we instinctively do. We are creatures of habit, so it’s perfectly possible to think about our typical behaviour.
Here is the photo again.
The group of three wolves at the front, outlined in red, are the oldest and sickest. The two groups of five outlined in yellow and green are the strongest ones; they are placed strategically to protect the main pack that is between them.
The wolf at the back of the group, shown by the blue arrow, is the leader.
There are few absolutes in this life: no doubt there are times when leading from the front is appropriate, even essential, such as times of crisis. Mostly, however, we are not in crisis mode, and leading from the back – a key feature of ‘servant leadership’ – is best. Here was Nelson Mandela’s take on it:
‘It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.’
Nelson Mandela (born 1918, died 2013)
So, are YOU more boss or more leader?
