Bossing, Managing and Leading: is there a difference?

Wichita-native Aaron Bushell dropped some leadership insight at this morning’s Sunrise Scrambler when he presented “Are You a Boss, a Manager, or a Leader?” While many may quickly think, “Is there really a difference in those titles?”, the 150 Scrambler attendees learned there is a difference and were asked to assess where they fall on the spectrum. Here is a quick recap of some of Aaron’s main points. Bushell presented to a sold-out Sunrise Scrambler crowd at Wesley Medical Center. Boss

• This title typically has a negative connotation. Hollywood is filled with depictions of bad bosses.
• They tend to lead with force.
• They inspire fear.
• They take credit for team success.

  Manager

• This title has a more positive connotation.
• These are the people who get things done and make things happen.
• They lead with authority.
• They inspire goodwill.
• They are included in the credit for team success.

  Leader

• These are the people who drive and create the vision for an organization.
• They lead through engagement.
• They inspire passionate followers.
• They communicate a vision.
• They defer credit for success to their team.

  In other words? Don’t be a boss. Be a manager or a leader. Leaders set the vision and managers make it happen, and it takes both kinds of people to have a successful organization. As Emily Millspaugh of Susan G. Komen tweeted, “No leader is an island. Find your perfect partner, the yin to your yang. If you’re a doer, find a dreamer, & vice versa.” See all of the conversation from the event on Twitter using #ChamberICT, and find photos from the event on our Facebook page. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors, Emprise Bank and Wesley Medical Center. Join us for the next Sunrise Scrambler on Sept. 24, then head down to the 2015 Exposure show floor! This Scrambler sells out every year, so be sure to register in advance because we will not be taking walk ups. Register here!