Influence is a subtle form of power and it is the ability to have a profound or altering effect on the thoughts, behaviours, decisions, or perceptions of others. Influence does not involve the use of force, authority or a dictatorial approach but instead involves the use of persuasion, inspiration and the ability to connect deeply with people on an intellectual, emotional and social level. Influence is also sometimes exerted through communication or leadership styles.
A boss is an individual that relies on the use of authority and the power they posses to ensure compliance or to ensure that their subordinates gets work done. Bosses usually lead by creating an atmosphere of fear where team members are afraid to make mistakes and where the “command” approach is relied on to ensure that every team member fulfils the bosses expectations. A boss is usually authority-centric and control focused.
A boss creates a negative environment of fear or threats in order to ensure compliance, micromanages team members and also employs the use of threats as a means of driving performance. Research has however proven over time that a leadership style that is based on fear usually feels like a form of slavery to team members, depletes the teams productivity, leads to quiet quitting, leads to having bitter as well as disgruntled employees and creates a toxic workplace.
Asides from driving productivity through the use of force, control-focused bosses also often monitors closely how work should be done, gives the team little to no autonomy and does not
usually take the teams input or contribution as regards the work into account. Asides this, some bosses even prioritise work over people and have little to no empathy for team members who need some support. This lack of empathy destroys relationships in the workplace and leads to poor or low employee retention in the organisation. The continuation of this cycle of employees quitting due to bad bosses leads to increased cost for the organisation as money that should be spent doing other productive things is diverted to the constant hiring of new people.
Leaders unlike bosses on the other hand are people oriented. Leaders - especially transformational leaders - inspire and guides team members. They do not use the authoritative approach and they understand that most employees thrive when in the right environment and given the right support. The right leader motivates their team members through positive reinforcement and genuine concern for their well-being. They do not micromanage their teams as they understand that micromanagement usually does not lead to increased productivity.
Transformational leaders empower their team members, involve them in decision-making and supports their growth. These leaders do not lead with fear. Transformational leaders also understand that succeeding in leadership is when their teams have evolved so much that they can function without them as the leader. Great leaders share their vision early with their team members, this makes every team member understand their purpose and how they fit into the overall picture.
Leaders have a positive influence on those they lead and they really listen to each of their team members without showing any iota of favouritism or nepotism. Leaders outlive themselves and almost always inspire their team members so much that the next leader automatically emerges from the same team they have influenced positively. Are you a boss or a leader ?
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Such an interesting view on leadership within organization Thank you for sharing.
Great people are beginning to talk about this