The Difference Between a Boss and a Leader


I saw this photo doing the rounds on Facebook the other week. It not only got me thinking about those in positions of authority over me, it also got me thinking about my own leadership.

I have had a few ‘bosses’ in my time as well as ‘leaders’. I can tell you that I much preferred working for and following a leader than I did a boss. Somehow, the willingness to go the extra mile, to give and live selflessly disappears when someone displays the characteristics of the ‘boss’. But when a ‘leader’ steps in one feels energised and inspired and you are much more willing and happy to do the work.

As church leaders we rely heavily upon the good will of volunteers. Being a leader who embraces these traits, you will not only benefit from enthusiastic and willing volunteers, but will also give benefit to the volunteer themselves. It is a healthy win-win situation.

A Leader:


  • Coaches instead of drives the volunteer / employee
  • Depends upon good will rather than upon their authority
  • Generates enthusiasm instead of inspiring fear
  • Says ‘we’ instead of ‘I’
  • Fixes the breakdown rather than places blame
  • Shows how it’s done rather than knows how it’s done
  • Develops and builds people instead of using people
  • Gives credit instead of taking credit
  • Asks rather than commands
  • Says ‘let’s go (together)’ rather than ‘Go (on your own)’


If we look at these qualities again, the Leader of leaders should come to mind. Jesus himself modelled the best way for us to lead (notice he lead by example). Yes he taught, explained, rebuked, corrected but he did so out of love. He did so for the individual’s benefit and growth not to achieve his own ends or some corporate agenda at the expense of others. He was with his disciples. He did send them out but only after spending years equipping them for the task. Even then he sent his Holy Spirit to be our helper even after his ascension. He washed their feet, he served, he shared, he sacrificed – all this is leadership!

Even when we take the back-seat or step out of the church lime-light, we are leading! Some people at my church were surprised to hear that when I play the cajon (box-drum) tucked away behind the rest of the band because the drummer is away I consider it ‘leading’. Not necessarily leading the congregation in a time of singing, but most definitely leading my team. When training up a new worship leader, there comes a time when you need to step off the platform completely and let them fly solo – this too is leading.

Let our ministry not be all about us. If it is, then you will begin to turn into the boss everyone hates. Rather, invite your team along on your journey and celebrate when they run faster and fly higher than you. Encourage them to follow you as you follow Christ, where He is your example and The Leader you aspire to be like.

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