Leaders come in two dissimilar varieties: those who want full power and control over others, in addition to those who want to use the influence and power of their position to assist others get their total potential as well. If you’re in the latter category and wish to use your Leadership leverage prudently, read on for seven strategies that will keep you on track.
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Legitimate Power
Legitimate power occurs when somebody is in a higher position, providing them control over others. If you have this power, it is necessary that you know it was provided to you and that it can be taken away from you. Don’t abuse it.
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Coercive Power
There actually is no space or time for coercive power in the workplace. It is no matter how moral a leader you are, fear is not likely to win the loyalty and respect of your employees currently or in the long run. Eventually, you cannot make credibility with forced influence like intimidation in the workplace.
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Expert Power
This power comes straight from your years of experience and high-level skills. When you have expert knowledge, your peers are possible to view you as such. In statistical analysis, if someone has an MBA and a Ph.D., their colleagues and reports will be more inclined to access their proficiency. This gives them a lot of leverage.
The best thing about this kind of power is that nobody can take it away from you. It is the skill that you have. But, to remain skilled, you must stay to learn and improve.
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Information Power
Informational power is short-term power that does not essentially build or influence credibility. For instance, a project leader can have all the data for a certain project, providing them with Informational Power. However, it is difficult for an individual to hold this power for long, as ultimately this data will be out. This ought not to be a long-term strategy.
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Power of Reward
This type of power is held by those who can encourage individuals to respond in order to win raises, prizes, and promotions. For instance, leaders have a specific amount of reward power whether they manage performance reviews that determine promotions as well as bonuses for their subordinates. If you begin talking about economic support, power takes on a completely new meaning.
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Connection Power
This power builds influence for power and is usually the outcome of strong networking skills. You can gain this kind of power by achieving favor and being a resource to individuals. If I have a link to somebody you want to reach, that gives me power. That is political in a way. People who use this power create significant coalitions with others.
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Referent Power
This is one of the most valuable types of power, it is no matter what kind of leader you are. It is all about how you develop and build relationships. This power relies on individual values and traits like integrity, honesty, as well as trustworthiness. Persons with high referent power can greatly influence anybody who respects and admires them.
Bottom Line
When people know you as powerful, they will obviously trust you. There is much you can accomplish through that power. Each of these kinds of power has merits and demerits. Understanding the types of power is essential to motivate other people as a leader, while building credibility and trust with your team members and beyond. Read more.