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Lipkin discusses the different types of power in her book, What Keeps Leaders Up at Night, starting with the five types of power introduced by psychologists John French and Bertram Raven in 1959.
Legitimate Power
This is the type of power where a person in a higher position has control over people in a lower position in an organization. It is also called Position Power.
“If you have this power, it’s essential that you understand that this power was given to you (and can be taken away), so don’t abuse it.” Lipkin says. “If Diane rises to the position of CEO and her employees believe she deserves this position, they will respond favorably when she exercises her legitimate power. On the other hand, if Diane rises to the position of CEO, but people don’t believe that she deserves this power, it will be a bad move for the company as a whole.”
I’ve heard it said that the higher you go in an organization, the more the “mafia mentality” exists…anyone can take you out at any time. I’ve also observed over the years that old maxim, “You never know who you’re going to work for in the future” hold true. I’ve seen people who were treated poorly by their peers promoted into an executive role…and they use their Legitimate Power against those who didn’t treat them well as peers!
Coercive Power
This is the type of power where a person leads with threats and force. It is unlikely that Coercive Leaders will win respect and loyalty from employees for long. This is the type of power that breeds a Toxic Culture, as I mentioned in my Star Wars Day Post, describing Darth Vader’s leadership style.
“There is not a time of day when you should use it,” Lipkin tells us. “Ultimately, you can’t build credibility with coercive influence — you can think of it like bullying in the workplace.”
Reward Power
Reward Power seeks to motivate others by offering raises, promotions, and awards. This is the fun part of leadership…presenting positive rewards and recognition. As leaders, we must use Reward Power wisely…or it can quickly lose its meaning. If too many promotions and awards are given across the team, they become watered down and lose their impact.
“When you start talking financial livelihood, power takes on a whole new meaning,” Lipkin says. For example, “both Diane and Bob hold a certain amount of reward power if they administer performance reviews that determine raises and bonuses for their people.”
Expert Power
Expert Power is an important power in the space business. We rely on people who possess superior skills or knowledge, especially in human space flight. Expertise is needed to get astronauts into space then home again safely.
Lipkin explains, “If Diane holds an MBA and a PhD in statistical analysis, her colleagues and reports are more inclined to accede to her expertise.” Credentials are definitely important to Expert Power, but individuals also have to demonstrate competence in order to gain credibility.
In order to keep their status and influence, however, experts need to continue learning and improving. That’s true for anyone in an organization, even the smartest person in the room!
Referent Power
Referent Power is the ability to convey a sense of personal acceptance or approval. It is held by people with charisma, integrity, and other positive qualities. It is the most valuable type of power because it is given to a leader by the follower. The leader has earned so much respect that the follower seeks his or her approval.
“People with high referent power can highly influence anyone who admires and respects them,” Lipkin says.
Lipkin builds on the 5 forms of power that have been part of the literature for 55 years by discussing two more important types of Leadership Power:
Connection Power
Connection Power is where a person attains influence by gaining favor or simply acquaintance with a powerful person. This power is all about networking. Networking and developing relationships with key people and influencers has become increasingly important in the Global economy.
“If I have a connection with someone that you want to get to, that’s going to give me power. That’s politics in a way,” Lipkin says. “People employing this power build important coalitions with others … Diane’s natural ability to forge such connections with individuals and assemble them into coalitions gives her strong connection power.” Building Coalitions–and “Commons Creating”–is one of the top leadership skills needed for the future, according to a publication by the Center for Creative Leadership in partnership with the Institute for the Future. Click here to read more about that.
Informational Power
Informational Power is where a person possesses needed or wanted information. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Information is power.” However, this is a short-term power that doesn’t necessarily influence or build credibility.
For example, a project manager may have all the information for a specific project, and that will give her “informational power.” But it’s hard for a person to keep this power for long, and eventually this information will be released. If you don’t share what you know, you’ll soon find that your followers will drift away. Holding on to Informational Power should not be a long-term strategy!
Power is important to your influence as a leader. Understanding the different types of power you and others possess will help you, as you shoot for the stars! May you use your power–whatever form it takes–wisely today…