7 MAJOR QUALITIES THAT SET LEADERS APART FROM MANAGERS OR BOSSES

Leaders are made. Leaders are honed.

Leadership qualities can be learned. Leaders achieve more and get better results than people who just manage or boss over people.

Leaders are able to inspire and give vision and meaning to those who look up to them.

Most times people operate as managers or bosses and think they are true leaders.

There are things that set apart leaders that make them achieve results that we all admire.

If you have acted like a Boss, it is important to look within and see where you fall short and make a 180-degree turnaround to becoming the leader within you. Be the leader at home, in your firm, in your associations, clubs etc. It is possible.

 

Here are some major things that set leaders apart.

1. Leaders are visionary

Leaders paint a picture of what they see as possible. They have a roadmap to success. Many times, it is a hell of a journey but the vision keeps them going. Leaders stimulate people to be part of something bigger. They know that high-functioning teams can accomplish a lot more working together than individuals working autonomously.

2. Leaders build relationships

Leaders focus on people – all the stakeholders they need to influence in order to realize their vision. They know who their stakeholders are and spend most of their time with them. They build loyalty and trust by consistently delivering on their promise.

3. Leaders seek change

Steve Jobs had a vision to make a dent in the technology world. He succeeded. Jobs became a disrupter. Leaders are proud disrupters. Innovation is their mantra. They don’t stick with what just works, or just refining systems, structures and processes to make them better.

Leaders embrace change and know that even if things are working, there could be a better way forward. And they understand and accept the fact that changes to the system often create waves.

4. Leaders are unique

Leaders are willing to be themselves. They are self-aware and work actively to build their unique and differentiated personal brand. They are comfortable in their own shoes and willing to stand out. They’re authentic and transparent. They define their leadership style.

5. Leaders are risk-takers

Leaders are willing to try new things even if they may fail miserably. They know that failure is often a step on the path to success. They take calculated risks but if need be dare to take the lonely path if they believe there is just a possibility of success.

6. Leaders grow personally

Leaders know if they aren’t learning something new every day, they aren’t standing tall, they’re falling behind.

The curiosity or inquisitive mindset they have makes them relevant in an ever-changing world of work. They seek out people and information that will expand their thinking.

7. Leaders coach

Leaders are coaches. If they need to get their hands dirty with the shovel end of decisions to get results, then so be it.

They see their people as competent and are optimistic about their potential. They resist the temptation to tell their people what to do and how to do it. They set the vision and empower to achieve.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2016/11/15/9-differences-between-being-a-leader-and-a-manager/?sh=39a67de54609