Are you a Boss or a Coach?

The article below is a good comparison o being a boss or a coach. I guess the comparison was made because in an organization, a leader who is a team player is much more successful than a tyrant. This article should open our eyes that bullying a subordinate is not the way to a healthy organization. Coaching guru Thomas Crane warns managers and business owners against falling into the trap of being demanding: self-absorbed, and controlling. He says that these are some indicators of “bossing” as against coaching:

Bosses believe that their job if to push people or drive them.
Coaches believe that they are there to lift and support people.

Bosses believe that they should talk to people by telling, directing, and lecturing.
Coaches believe in engaging in dialogue with people by asking, requesting, and listening.

Bosses believe in controlling others through the decisions they make.
Coaches believe in helping others make decisions and empowering them to implement their own decisions.

Bosses believe they know the answers.
Coaches believe they must seek the answers.

A boss triggers insecurity by administering fear to achieve compliance.
A coach believes in using purpose to inspire commitment and stimulate creativity.

Bosses believe that their job is to point out errors.
Coaches believe that their job is to celebrate learning.

A boss believes in solving problems and making decisions.
A coach believes in facilitating others to solve problems and make decisions.

A boss believes in delegating responsibility.
A coach believes in modeling accountability.

Bosses believe in creating structure and procedures for people to follow.
Coaches believe in creating a vision and promoting flexibility through values as guidelines for behavior.

A boss believes in doing things right.
A coach believes in doing the right things.

Bosses believe their power lies in their knowledge.
Coaches believe that their power lies in their vulnerability.

A boss believes in focusing on the bottom line.
A coach believes in focusing on the process that creates the bottom line.