This article was originally published on March 30th, 2021, on LinkedIn.
I have a visceral hatred when being referred to as someone’s “boss.” It turns my stomach. Perhaps it’s because I look at myself as a fundamentally unemployable entrepreneur. Perhaps it’s because of my aversion to authority. Perhaps it’s because of past experiences. Or perhaps it’s because of some combination of the above.
More likely, it’s because I believe that actions matter. "Boss" != "Leader". Do I have authority? Yes. But that authority necessitates leadership. And leadership is earned. Under no circumstance does being someone’s boss make you a leader. Leadership means leading. Still, so many “bosses” fail to lead. Their actions exemplify behavior opposite of leading - watching from the back and expecting outcomes that bear no resemblance to their behavior. Being a boss means nothing. Being a leader means everything.
Under no circumstance does being someone’s boss make you a leader.
Being a leader is 100% earned. And earning the right to be a leader is 99% actions and 1% words. As I communicate to those on my team, I don’t care if you are closing a big sale, modeling financial scenarios, writing application software, taping a box, or sweeping a floor. You do it to the best of your ability. Being a leader means that if I am in the position responsible for any of those endeavors, the team trusts that I would do it to the best of my ability. That’s respect. That’s leadership. That’s earned. Being a boss is garbage.
Being a leader is 100% earned. And earning the right to be a leader is 99% actions and 1% words.
You can call me John, or Dugan, or whatever else you want. Just not boss. My place is right beside you, earning your respect every day through my actions.