Are you a boss, a manager, or a leader?

Are you a boss, a manager, or a leader? This is an interesting topic. Most of us like to think that we are leaders but most of us act like bosses. The tell-tale phrase is that you hold your people accountable. Let's call that what it is. You are ready to pounce on them when they don't meet expectations. Oops, you are a boss.

Managers do a great job of putting their people in the best spot to perform. Think of an MLB baseball manager that knows the best matchups for his pitchers and hitters. Great managers are rare but even rarer are true leaders. Leaders put their people's best interests first. Always encourage them and point them in the right direction. They protect their people while still expecting performance.

Think pulling verse pushing. Bosses push their people while managers pull their people.