045: The Five Forms of Power

Imagine the leaders you have been inspired by in the past or are currently inspired by today. How did you respond to these various styles of leadership? Which style naturally spoke to you the best? The principle we are going to examine today, the different FORMS OF POWER, could be what influences you to respond to, and hopefully be motivated by, a particular person’s influence. “Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine.” - Chris Hadfield NUMBER ONE . . . Legitimate power is probably the most recognized form of power and style of leadership. NUMBER TWO . . . Reward power comes from an authority figures ability to compensate another for being compliant and following orders. NUMBER THREE . . . Expert power is based on an individual’s level of skill and knowledge. In layman’s terms, think of karate, the experts all have black belts. NUMBER FOUR . . . Referent power is a bit superficial; it could be the results of one’s perceived worthiness and/or attractiveness. It’s seemingly power that is not a result of any special or particular reason. Referent power is sometimes though of as an “x-factor” of sorts. Finally, NUMBER 5 . . . Coercive power is sourced from the ability to punish others for being disobedient. A leader who uses coercive power strategically withholds rewards as a punishment; it is the opposite of reward power. With great power comes great responsibility. Some leaders leverage their power to make a positive impact, while others have more sinister and/or selfish intentions. If you find yourself in any type of leadership role, you need to understand the best strategy to keep your team, your family, your class, WHOEVER, motivated to be their best, to achieve great results, and to produce at the highest possible standard. Anyone is capable of holding power and influencing others. mRuddo.com #TheMotivationMovement @mRuddo Click to view: show page on Awesound