Would you say that sprinters and runners are synonymous? After all, they both run on tracks, and they both compete in races. Both sprinting and running require speed, strength, and endurance, albeit to varying degrees. But they’re ultimately the same right? The answer is no. Although they both compete to win races, virtually everything else differs between the two breeds. Just look at the body of a sprinter compared to the body of a runner- the sprinter is a lean, muscled machine built for maximum speed while the runner is a thin powerhouse designed for grueling endurance. Their training, nutrition, and even psychology differs, and that makes them distinct although having similar goals.

The same goes for those with the titles, “leader” and “boss”. Although both titles carry connotations of power and superiority, those who assume them conduct business in different fashion. In fact, they might both have similar tasks, but what truly separates them are their methods of leading others. One thing that reigns true, however, is the fact that the “bosses” are despised while leaders are admired. There’s no doubt that you would rather have admirers instead of opposers, but the question is how can you attract the right following. If you want others to recognize your authority as a positive influence, you should consider enrolling in leadership training. Conditioning your skills and attitudes to reflect the mindset of a confident, yet empathetic person will put you on the path to leadership, rather than oppression.

Leadership & Distances

As mentioned in the previous sections, not all runners are built the same. Sprinters have the gift of speed while runners have the gift of endurance. Genetics – more specifically muscle fiber ratio – determines who becomes a sprinter or runner. Of course, hard work, lifestyle choices, and environment all play a role in the success of both sprinters and runners.

Bosses are more like sprinters while leaders are more like runners. A boss may project his speed and power by means of charm and dominance. He may be quick to making decisions and his goals may be short-sighted. He may even be arrogant or aggressive, and this may cause him to carry on for a few meters before his decisions burn him or his employers out. If you’ve had a “boss” as an employer, you know what it’s like to feel burned out after a rough work week.

A leader on the other hand sees his role as a long distance race. Although he has deadlines and expectations, he doesn’t sacrifice energy and productivity in order to complete tasks. He knows how to pace his decisions and has patience with himself and his employees. While some may think that he’s slow to make decisions, he knows that taking time to reflect will lead to right choices in the present, so that the team doesn’t waste time in the future.

A Mix of Speed & Endurance

Although we can differentiate between short and long sighted, there’s a another class to identify. In the world of athletics, middle distances runners are your 800 – 3000 meter competitors. They are unique because they combine attributes of both short and long distance runners, including technique and physical prowess. They possess both speed and endurance. They are lean and muscular, without being too thin or bulky. They also know when to pace and when to sprint. In other words, they are highly efficient athletes who can switch on the right ‘mode’ when necessary.

Enter the class of ‘great’ leaders. They are like middle distance runners. They are confident and take risks, without being impulsive and irritating. They push for high performance and effort but respect the personal and professional limitations of their colleagues. Ultimately, they make objective decisions without the hindrance of personal emotions and they execute these choices with precise timing. Great leaders combine a remarkable balance of short and long-term functions with knowledge of how and when to use them. This ideal level of performance is difficult to achieve, but leadership training makes it possible. In addition to training, there are other ways to bring out the ‘greatness’ that resides within you and help you distinguish the difference between a “leader” and a “boss”.

Leader versus Boss

• Leaders teach while bosses tell

• Leaders look at the big picture while bosses lose themselves in details

• Leaders inspire trust while bosses inspire fear

• Leaders listen while bosses talk

• Leaders are humble while bosses are proud

• Leaders want to collaborate while bosses want to dictate

Becoming a Great Leader in Three Strides

Just like sports, music, or art, business leadership requires skill that takes time to develop. However, that shouldn’t discourage you. Even the greatest in their fields have the potential to improve and learn more. There is an abundance of resources for people like you who are on the path to leadership. Making the effort to access these tools will expose you to the attributes of great leaders, so that you don’t wind up as just another ‘boss’.

• Take a Class, Hit the Books – All top performing athletes receive good coaching and mentorship. The same goes for leaders. That makes leadership training an essential part of your progression, since it teaches you the art of leading others and how you can attain success. If you were to enroll in these courses, you could expect to learn concepts such as active leadership, results-oriented leadership, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence.

• Imitate the Greats – Having a role model, especially one who has faced and overcome adversity, can motivate you to stay on track despite the challenges ahead. Aside from motivation, you can also learn the methods, practices, and habits that make certain leaders so respected within their fields. In finding a role model, you’ll most likely come to see that the reason for a leader’s ascension lies within their ability to empathize with others, rather than oppress them.

• Seek Feedback – Finally, the most important thing you need to as you take on more roles, is to seek feedback. Top performers constantly receive feedback, since it helps them assess their performance, fix bad habits early on, and correct their actions so that their skills become ingrained. As a leader, it is essential that you receive honest criticism as it can help you steer clear of an domineering mentality- the kind that makes one seem like just another lousy boss.

Run Your Race Correctly

No matter what field you reside in, all leadership roles require you to approach tasks with balance, empathy, and confidence. It’s all about knowing when, where, why, and how to do things- efficiency is the key to your success. That means understanding the physical, mental, financial, legal, and emotional undertakings of a project. While the responsibilities are weighty, they are not impossible, and leadership training makes the tasks associated with these roles manageable. When you combine your learning with exposure to the elements that make leaders successful, you’ll find yourself on a route to respect, rather than resentment. Like a middle distance runner that makes effective use of both speed and endurance, you will learn how to balance confidence with good judgement. With the right training, you’ll realize that leadership skills are not too lofty.