Power Definition: The ability of a leader to influence its subordinates.
Influence Definition: The effect of leaders actions on what the subordinates will do, how they act and behaviour.
Both of these can help a leader lead his staff. Employees look up to leaders in a number of ways, seven of these are below:
- Position Power – The status of the person.
- Legitimate Power – Authority of position held.
- Reward Power – Power of rewards leaders can give subordinates.
- Coercive Power – Power to punish a subordinate.
- Personal Power – Characteristics or knowledge of the organisation.
- Expert Power – Power from knowledge and skills for the tasks.
- Referent Power – Leaders personal characteristics.
To influence a leader must have interpersonal skills;
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills Definition: Behaviours thoughts and emotions that are directed towards effective interaction with other people. It is vital to effective leadership that you understand your own and others practice of leadership. Involving;
- Awareness of self
- Awareness of others
- Ability to work with emotions
- Tolerance of ambiguity
- Managing stress
- Orientation toward goal-achievement
- Persuasion
- Understanding and using power
- Working with teams
- Impression management
- Assertiveness
- Development and facilitation of others
