Bosses, Managers, Supervisors, and Leaders......

I have been in the work force since I was 18.  That's 50 years.  A friend and I recently were discussing the bosses we have worked with over the years.  During these 50 LONG years, I have worked mostly with "Managers",  but have had the pleasure of working with 3 "Leaders".  

So - what's the difference?  Well first look at the definition of each word:

MANAGER - 

• "a person responsible for controlling or administering all or part of a company or similar organization"
• "a person who controls the activities, business dealings, and other aspects of the career of .."

LEADER -

• "The person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country."

SUPERVISOR  - 

• "a person who supervises a person or an activity.

  synonyms:

  manager,

Looking at those definitions make it clear to me that most of the men I have worked with in the "Boss" capacity have been managers - men who have had to Control.  Managers often delegate and are most assuredly the head finger pointer.  Meaning - they are the one who will point the finger of blame in a situation, but will take credit for the "win" in another.

The Leader on the other hand may delegate as that is his (or her) privilege, but they will assume blame for the person (or team) and will not take the credit for the "win".  It's a much nicer work atmosphere to work for a Leader!

Managers and leaders are both friendly, but a leader does not want to be your Facebook Friend or party with you.    He (or she) is your Boss.  Managers tend to lean on people harshly instead of being constructive.  They're quick to blame, berate, tear you down and hardly EVER let you know that's you've done a good job.  

Have you worked for the good "buddy" who laughs it up with you?  Maybe going to happy hour with you?  I'm not talking about company get-togethers --  I'm talking about individual meetings and outings.  Do they sit there and make "comments" about other workers?  Hmmm...you know if they are "commenting" on your co-workers, they are doing the SAME thing to you with them?  

Unfortunately offices that have managers usually have people with bad attitudes.  I really believe if the managers behaved like leaders it would foster a better attitude all around and everyone might get along better.

Just a thought.