The Power of Leadership

The Power of Leadership — Five Power Types (Blanchard)

Power Has Positive Aspects

Power Positive Aspects

The concept of power in the workforce has many positive aspects, and everyone can learn to harness different sources of individual power, particularly when in a leadership role.

Source — Blanchard

Blanchard Source

Taken from Ken Blanchard's Points of Power, Situational Self Leadership, developing one's own sources of power enables leaders to:

Be less dependent on others
Take initiative
Make greater contributions in their jobs

Power Misconceptions

Although the concept of power sometimes brings to mind such associations as:

Coercion
Manipulation
Even corruption

Right People in Right Positions

Right People = Power Right

This does NOT have to be the case when the right people are put in the right leadership positions.

Power's Sole Advantage

Power Sole Advantage

It is helpful to develop an understanding that "the sole advantage of power is the ability to do better."

Combine Power Aspects

Thus, if you want to do more good for the people around you and for the organization, rather than rely on one aspect of power where you are strongest, take advantage of opportunities to apply various aspects of power in varying circumstances where most appropriate.

Five Power Types

5 Power Types (Blanchard).

Position power
Task power
Personal power
Relationship power
Knowledge power

Position Power

Position power is inherent in the authority of the position you have.

Position Power Indicator

Your position power may be indicated on your business card with a title printed on it that indicates you have the power to:

Manage people
Command resources

Task Power

Task power is power that stems from being good at a particular task and being able to help others with a process or procedure they may be responsible for.

Personal Power

Personal power comes from your personal character attributes, such as:

Strength of character
Passion
Inspiration
A personal vision of the future

Personal Power Enhancement

Personal Power Enhanced

Personal power is further enhanced by the strength of your interpersonal skills, such as your ability to communicate with and persuade others.

Relationship Power

Relationship power comes from association with others through:

Friendship
Familiarity with a colleague
Cultivation of a relationship
Preferential treatment
Reciprocity (trading favors)

Favoritism Risk

However, perceived favoritism can have negative effects in the organization.

Knowledge Power

Knowledge power is about having expertise in an area, often through a special skill or group of skills.

Knowledge Power Evidence

It is often evidenced by having:

Certain degrees
Certifications indicating special training

Knowledge Power Transferable

Knowledge power can generally be transferred within jobs or organizations.