Have you ever found yourself in a position where you loved your company and team but found your boss incredibly difficult, even unbearable? You’re not alone! I ran across this study by DDI that suggests that 57% of people have quit because of their boss — and 37% reported that they’ve considered leaving because of their manager.

When I read this study, I found that number to be staggering, and it made me think of the difference between the titles of ‘boss’ and ‘leader.’ In my opinion, when it comes to a boss vs. a leader, the difference often lies in how you make the people around you feel. Bosses take power and keep people subdued. Leaders empower and elevate people to new heights.

Here are the different behavioral traits of Leaders vs Bosses:

There is a popular saying that goes: ‘People quit bosses, not jobs,’ and I wholeheartedly believe this.

Being a boss is not the same as being a leader. “Boss” is a given title, but “leader” is an earned responsibility. And knowing the differences not only impact your business for the better but also — and more importantly — your employees’ lives. At Personify, we focus on the core competencies of what makes an effective leader, and we would love to help you with the essential skills for being an effective leader.