Part III of what makes a leader

​Colleagues,
 
The word “power” has appeared many times in the last two daily posts, so let’s look at it more closely. 
 
The various definitions of power usually include the ability to influence, making the definition of leadership and power almost synonymous. Interestingly, in my many years of preparing school leaders, the idea of wielding power was perceived by many to be a negative thing, but without power there is no leadership.
 
My take on power has been strongly shaped by French and Raven who identified six bases of power:

1. Legitimate Power: This comes from having a formal hierarchical leadership position. 
2. Referent Power: The influence you have on people because they respect and trust you.
3. Expert Power: Power that others grant you based on trusting you and your expertise in a specific area.
4. Reward Power: The influence you have on others based on your ability to provide them with benefits, tangible (money) and/or intangible (praise).
5. Coercive Power: The opposite of reward power, it is based on your ability to take something away from people, tangible (demotion) and/or intangible (criticism, exclusion).
6. Informational: The ability to influence others through the control of information.

 
Understanding the different power bases is critical to understanding the different ways to lead. Hierarchical leadership requires legitimate power. It also facilitates the use of reward and coercive power.
 
Here is what is really exciting about the bases of power: With the exception of legitimate power, all the bases of power are accessible regardless of the positions we hold! In other words, the ways of exercising power are open to all of us and to everyone else! You don’t need to be in a hierarchical position to lead! 
 
Tomorrow we will look at actions and mindset.
 
Do good and be well,
 
Frederick