Leader Or Boss?

Which are you?

"People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader leads ... and the boss drives."

That's a quote from Teddy Roosevelt.

So, which best describes you?

Leaders instill belief, and until we believe, really believe, we're never "all in."

Examples surround us, from the 30,000 Iraqi troops who took off their uniforms and dropped their weapons rather than fight a few hundred ISIS terrorists, to that packed Apple store in your local mall selling gadgets for a premium to people lined up to be earliest to buy them.

If you can't see the possibilities, how can you expect your staff to?

If you can't articulate a future that includes them, in real, sustainable roles that are lucrative and meaningful, how can you expect them to be fully committed?

I saved a line from one of Tom Asacker's books, The Business of Belief: "...belief, in our story is what moves us. It ignites the spark that fuels our actions."

Radio needs leaders who believe in a future that includes programming as the dominant force within each station, as the very purpose for the effort.

If we're honest, most of those running radio stations, hired by those running the radio companies, are bosses.

They're driving the most creative talent right out of the business. They're driving those longing to believe to other venues.

There's nothing wrong with Radio that an inspired -- and inspiring -- leader couldn't fix immediately.

At least, that's what I believe.