Are You a Boss or a Leader?

Posted by Alex Putman on December 6, 2009 · 2 Comments

What is the difference in “management” and “leadership”? What is the difference between a “boss” and a leader? I will start with the bottom line; management or “being the boss” is Attila the Hun and leadership is Paul “Bear” Bryant. Let’s break it down.

Attila the Hun:

During his rule, he was one of the most fearsome enemies of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires.
In much of Western Europe, he is remembered as the epitome of cruelty and rapacity.
Attila has been portrayed in various ways, sometimes as a noble ruler, sometimes as a cruel barbarian.
“regarded as cruel, clever, and blood-thirsty lover of battle and pillage”

Management or “being the boss” is often a tactical, day-to-day battle. The boss is trying to get something from their employees at whatever cost. The boss expects you to follow his vision (even if you think he is a numskull). This is the problem, you follow a boss because you have to. Employees want to be part of something bigger. No one wants to feel like today could be the day of “off with their head”. Attila the Hun’s are remembered for all the bad things, not the good.

Paul “Bear” Bryant

Bryant took over the Alabama football team in 1958. When asked why he came to Alabama, he replied “Momma called. And when Momma calls, you just have to come runnin’.”
His first year they were 5-4-1.
During his twenty-five year tenure as Alabama’s head coach he amassed six national championships and thirteen conference championships.
Upon his retirement in 1982 he held the record for most wins as head coach in collegiate football history.

Coach Bryant led by example. He was a simple man, “Momma called. And when Momma calls, you just have to come runnin’.” People wanted to play on his team, and when they did, they won! Why, because he was a teacher, motivator, a leader! Sure, he had an end goal in mind (win football games), but you believed in the person. People will follow / buy in to a leader (the person) first, then their vision. Bear Bryant’s are remembered for all their good things.

Everyone says they want to be a leader. I have met a few that use these terms interchangeably, which is 100% incorrect. Both can be successful (Attila the Hun had many conquests). Which one works best? Who do you prefer to follow, better yet, which one do you prefer to be?

“Never quit. It is the easiest cop-out in the world. Set a goal and don’t quit until you attain it. When you do attain it, set another goal, and don’t quit until you reach it. Never quit”…Paul “Bear” Bryant