Smart Business Magazine, November 2020

10 Smart Business November 2020 Leader vs boss Which one are you As we review this years SMART 50 many of us will recognize familiar names friends and colleagues among the honorees Some of us will make a note to connect and some of us will review this list with a level of self reflection In addition to recognition and networking these lists can trigger a series of internal questions Should I be on this list someday Can I be on this list How did they get on this list Am I building a successful team or organization Regardless of what you ask yourself having that self awareness and self reflection are prerequisites to leadership LEADERS ARE CREATED Leaders develop people strategize on obstacles empower teams recognize others help create bridges and say Lets go to create innovate and impact Bosses on the other hand drive people take credit inspire with fear and replace we with I too often relying on authority to get things done Not all bosses will evolve into leaders Most promotions are not accompanied by culture or team building coaches to empower effective leadership In fact through my diversity and inclusion work most employees see their direct manager as a boss with glimpses of leadership potential When asked Has your manager asked about your career goals in the last six to nine months many say no But when asked Do you know your managers goals many respond with yes Because retention and team development are often not primary measurements many managers are not required to set aside the time to learn how to motivate the employees that make their annual reviews a reality HOW DO BOSSES BECOME LEADERS Leaders were once bosses who made the time to work from the inside out fostering new self assurance levels From my research leaders who cultivate this shift dedicated time to mastermind groups goodwill work mindfulness and self reflection on life events and learned leadership practices through books podcasts and training These types of activities create a space that increases self reflection and self awareness Over time these activities cultivate a shift that takes the internal focus away from the person and transfers the interest into empowering and helping others This shift often decouples the need to be in charge and instead positions the work as a guide to the people involved This collective approach creates an environment where diverse contributions are welcomed and the momentum of the team will supersede an individuals accomplishments Ask yourself Are you a boss or a leader Do you work from a place of fear or a place of opportunity and community Do you see yourself as being in charge or a guide It is not easy to shift from being in charge to being a guide but it is necessary to move from being a boss to being a leader To do so be honest about how you approach your position and how you interact with the people around you Do the self work necessary to increase your self awareness on your why and then work to become an empowering catalyst of people to create a sustainable impact EXECUTIVE IMPACT JJ DiGeronimo JJ DiGeronimo President Tech Savvy Women Women in Tech and Girls in STEM Advocate JJs book Accelerate Your Impact Action Based Strategies to Pave Your Professional Path published by Smart Business Books is available for purchase on Amazon She is also the author of The Working Womans GPS www JJDiGeronimo com