The Important Difference Between Being a Boss and Being a Leader Do you inspire others or simply make demands?

By Jack Canfield

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

In this video, Entrepreneur Network partner Jack Canfield offers a few examples of differences between a boss and a leader.

Inspiring people through love and respect versus coercing them through bullying and fear is the first mark of a leader. Leaders give their employees the motivation to keep going. A boss's management style is more rigid and typically lacks nuance; bosses want more of their way and less of their employees' input.

Moreover, leaders, compared to bosses, are usually more transparent. Leaders notably are open to sharing information, since they know sharing invites more sharing and therefore, more types of perspectives.

Finally, bosses, more than leaders, tend to blame others when things go wrong. This blaming tendency can create a culture of fear and uncertainty. Canfield emphasizes it's leaders who are the people who will roll up their sleeves, jump in and do the work, versus tossing responsibilities elsewhere.

Click the video to hear more on the differences between bosses and leaders.

Related: How to Regain Your Focus When Faced With a Constant Stream of Distractions

Entrepreneur Network is a premium video network providing entertainment, education and inspiration from successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders. We provide expertise and opportunities to accelerate brand growth and effectively monetize video and audio content distributed across all digital platforms for the business genre.

EN is partnered with hundreds of top YouTube channels in the business vertical. Watch video from our network partners on demand on Roku, Apple TV and the Entrepreneur App available on iOS and Android devices.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

More from Jack Canfield

Why You Should Never Give Up On Your Dreams

Why Jack Canfield's 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' Series Was Originally Rejected

Inspirational Stories to Help You Persevere Through Negativity

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

American Eagle Stock Sees a 25% Surge Following Sydney Sweeney's Controversial 'Great Jeans' Ad Campaign

American Eagle saw its stock jump 25% after its earnings call on Wednesday.

Business News

Gold Prices Are Higher Than Ever. Here's How Much a Costco Gold Bar Purchased in 2024 Is Worth Today.

A one-ounce Costco bar is worth $870 more now than it was a year ago.

Leadership

Can Startup Founders Become Great CEOs? Here's What It Takes.

Startup founders CAN evolve into outstanding CEOs — rather than being replaced by them. Here's how.

Business News

Rival Airlines Are Adding Extra Flights in Case Spirit 'Suddenly Goes Out of Business'

United and Frontier Airlines are adding new routes after Spirit cut 12 cities from its schedule.