buclao

Is there a difference between being a "natural born leader" or just being a bossy person?

I watch shows like the Apprentice and think that some of those guys are natural born leaders, but when the challenge doesn't go their way then they're bossy.

My 7 year old niece is a good example because she orchestrates little games between her younger siblings, but sometimes when I listen to them play she sounds kinda bossy.

So to ask again, is there a difference between being a natural born leader or being bossy?

Fate

Essentially I believe there is a difference between the two. A "Natural Born Leader" knows how to direct people with diligence and firmness, while still being malleable to their needs. When a situation arises where things don't go his/her way, he/she can compinsate and negotiate accordingly to still accomplish the desired task. A bossy person is (IMHO) usually someone subconsciencly seeking an advantage over another individual/situation, or already has one and is using it.

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ICER

I agree with that definition. A leader will not insist on things going his way. He will listen to his underlings. Consider all the options. And choose the one that best suits the group. And if that options fails, He will take the heat and not blame it (or hold any ill will towards) on the underling. If some challenges his authority, Depending on the person of situation (and this is what I do) I let them take charge, Bossy people cannot handle real authority. And they always fail when they get it. And the leader will be there to pick up the pieces. And carry the group.

But most importantly. A leader will share his authority. And train another to one day take his place.

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f6twister

A natural born leader is someone who can take charge of a situation and direct those under his/her leadership in a fair but effective manner. Someone who is bossy usually orders people around with little knowledge of what they are doing and usually in a rude manner.

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A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day. Calvin

squigly

over the years i've worked for many many people. some of them try to be leaders. I honestly believe that you'll know if someone can be a natural leader by the time they are 6. gone through a lot of personality tests and stuff only to find that it never changes. i can try and be someone i am not, but the true colours will always shine through when compared to someone that is. some good psychology books out there that go into this in great detail.

The bad 'leaders' are the bull-ish, agressive ones. the ones who don't have a natural knack and try to make up for it by being agressive....

I've found the most charasmatic people tend to be the best leaders.

Look at Clinton. one of the most smart and charasmatic people i've seen or heard in years. note, not indorsing him politically....

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sandinista

Read some Niccolo Machiavelli to find out what is a "natural born leader"

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william

Natural born leaders are few and far between. A NBL doesn't need to tell you, you know. They project the image. Anyone that's not a NBL isn't. It's as simple as that. I've worked w/both, and I wish my current boss was a NBL.

rickscales

Going with what sandinista said about Machiavelli, you might feel like checking out this book. It applies Machiavellian's ideas of leadership to a more modern (although business-oriented) setting. It is different from the other books out there as it is written with basic English that an 7th grader could read.

I don't think a 12 year old has natural born leadership if they are directing the way a game should be played. There was this girl named Vicky that freaking ALWAYS made me be the dog when we played house. That was definitely bossy, because she would always let Jeremiah be "dad" and they would make out behind our plastic log-cabin.

Seaver

Leaders inspire.

Bossy people order.

Plain as that.

maleficent

Leaders bring out the best in the people that they are leading. Bossy people can often bring out the worst in the people that they are leading

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