Boss Manager, Buddy Manager, or Leader

LEADERSHIP / MANAGEMENT / BUSINESS

Tablet and paperback book displaying Tim Northburg’s leadership book “Boss Manager, Buddy Manager, or Leader?”

Are you managing, or truly leading? Boss Manager, Buddy Manager, or Leader is a no-fluff pocket guidebook for managers ready to level up. Whether you lean toward the authoritarian “Boss” or the overly friendly “Buddy,” this book will help you break free from outdated habits and transition into the kind of leader people respect, trust, and want to follow. Packed with real examples, sharp insights, and actionable steps, it’s your go-to resource for leading with purpose, setting clear expectations, and building a team culture that thrives. If you're serious about growing from manager to leader, this is the guidebook you’ll carry, and use, every day.

Unlock the Leader Your Team Deserves

“Boss Manager, Buddy Manager, or Leader” is the must-read pocket guide for anyone in a management role who’s ready to break free from outdated leadership habits. Whether you’ve leaned too far into being “one of the guys” or you’ve ruled with an iron fist, this book helps you identify where you currently stand, and more importantly, where you want to go. Through relatable examples and practical insights, it helps you understand the real difference between managing people and leading them.

Most managers fall into one of two traps: the Boss Manager who demands results at the cost of trust and morale, or the Buddy Manager who avoids hard conversations to stay liked. But there’s a better way. This book shows you how to become a true Leader, someone who inspires, empowers, and leaves a lasting legacy. With short, powerful chapters, it gives you tools to shift your mindset, build influence, and lead with clarity and purpose.

Whether you’re new to leadership or have decades of experience, Boss Manager, Buddy Manager, or Leader helps you elevate your impact. You’ll walk away with a stronger leadership identity, actionable strategies, and a clear path to becoming the kind of leader people want to follow, not because they have to, but because they believe in you. If you’re ready to stop managing and start leading, this book is your roadmap.