Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1278896
76 PCB007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2020 However, we have all seen the misconcep- tions. For example, just because someone is a "boss," it doesn't make them a "leader." Yes, they give you tasks, and they answer to the next tier of management. You routinely per- form your daily tasks and may not even see this generic "boss" regularly. This could go on for years. But if something goes wrong, we know what goes downhill. The generic "boss" is all over you and your co-workers for what you messed up. In many situations, this ge- neric "boss" is not well-liked. Now, a leader is a very different person. They are very easy to identify and we see them all the time because they stand out. Why is that? Because a leader takes the time to know their team, looks for the individual strengths and weaknesses of the team, and develops strategies or plans to better the team. The truth is, we seek out leaders be- Don't Be a Boss: Be a Leader Leader, boss, follower, collaborator, team- mate: these are terms we have heard often dur- ing our lifetime. The term leadership is used in many different ways. We hear it in market- ing all the time as companies use phrases such as, "We are the leader in XYZ," or, "We are leading the way." But this shouldn't be con- fused as leadership or as actually being bet- ter. In reality, these terms break down to, "We are first," or, "We are ahead of the others." It doesn't necessarily mean that they are better. Think about that the next time you hear it, and how it is being used. Leadership—or being a leader—is one of the most difficult qualities we can master. Ma- ny cannot, or would rather not, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, many of us do very well as followers, collaborators, and teammates. It makes sense; if everyone was a leader, nothing would get done. Think about it. Testing Todd Feature Column by Todd Kolmodin, GARDIEN SERVICES USA