RICHARD BRANSON: Be a leader — not a boss

A leader is very different from a boss. Many CEOs are bosses, not leaders, directing their employees from well behind the front lines. But sitting in the boardroom listening to even the most comprehensive reports from the front can never compare with your being there and seeing, hearing and understanding those interactions with your customers for yourself.

http://www.businessday.co.za/Articles/Content.aspx?id=162636

If you aren’t frequently out there leading the charge with your employees, you simply cannot stay in touch with the realities of your business.