THE 7 SOURCES OF POWER

“Power is like being a lady… if you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”

– Margaret Thatcher, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Power is the ability to influence the behavior and decisions of others. In organizations, power shapes how strategies are set, goals are met, and teams are led. Understanding the sources of power—both your own and those of others—can unlock deeper insights into leadership dynamics, helping you navigate and leverage influence effectively.

The 7 Sources of Power framework is a powerful tool to reflect on your approach to influence and understand how others use their power to drive action.

What are the 7 Sources of Power?

Each source of power represents a unique way to influence and lead others. Some types of power are more constructive, while others may foster negative dynamics if misused. Here’s an in-depth look at each source of power, with guidance on how to harness it positively.

1. Legitimate Power

Definition: Power derived from one’s official position or role within an organization.

In top-down organizations, legitimate power is often the most visible. Leaders with legitimate power can set agendas and direct team focus. However, the key to effective use of legitimate power is empowering others to contribute ideas and solutions.

Best Use: Direct teams by focusing on what and why, but empower them to determine how.

2. Reward Power

Definition: Power that motivates and influences through rewards and recognition.

Effective leaders understand that rewards don’t have to be grandiose; a simple thank you or a small token of appreciation can go a long way. Aligning rewards with desired behaviors and outcomes can drive high performance and reinforce positive actions.

Best Use: Offer sincere thank-yous and surprise rewards that recognize effort and contribution.

3. Expert Power

Definition: Power gained through expertise, skills, and knowledge.

Expert power is one of the most respected forms of influence. When people recognize a leader’s expertise, they naturally turn to them for guidance. Building expert power requires a commitment to continuous learning and problem-solving abilities.

Best Use: Hone your skills, share your knowledge generously, and demonstrate competence to gain trust and influence.

4. Referent Power

Definition: Power rooted in personality, integrity, and interpersonal skills.

Leaders with referent power often inspire loyalty and enthusiasm. They have a charisma and authenticity that draw people toward them. This type of power is grounded in trust and respect, often built over time through consistent and credible behavior.

Best Use: Be authentic, build relationships, and act with integrity to inspire others to follow your lead.

5. Connection Power

Definition: Power gained by connecting people and ideas within an organization.

Also known as “network power,” individuals with connection power act as bridges, bringing together people with complementary strengths or shared goals. This role can generate immense value by fostering collaboration and facilitating information flow.

Best Use: Use your network to connect team members and ideas, creating an environment of collaboration and shared goals.

6. Information Power

Definition: Power derived from access to information and data.

Information is at the core of sound decision-making. Leaders with information power possess valuable data and insights that can guide strategic decisions. However, information hoarding or gatekeeping can create distrust and resentment.

Best Use: Share relevant information transparently and foster a culture of openness for constructive influence.

7. Coercive Power

Definition: Power that compels action through fear, threats, or pressure.

Coercive power is often the most controversial and negative form of influence. It relies on punishment or negative consequences to drive behavior. While coercive power may sometimes be necessary in critical situations, overuse can damage morale and trust.

Best Use: Use coercive power sparingly and only when absolutely necessary, such as for enforcing essential policies or standards.

Examples of Using the 7 Sources of Power in Leadership

1. Legitimate Power

Project Leadership: A department head assigns specific roles and responsibilities for a critical project, clarifying each person’s contributions. The team is encouraged to share their own methods and ideas for achieving project milestones.
Setting Organizational Goals: The CEO announces the company’s annual goals, ensuring each department understands their role in achieving these objectives. While the vision is clear, teams are empowered to define their own paths to meet the targets.
Implementing New Policies: A manager introduces a new work-from-home policy, supported by their legitimate authority. They offer flexibility in how teams manage their schedules but set clear expectations for communication and accountability.

2. Reward Power

Public Recognition: A leader highlights an employee’s accomplishments in a company-wide email, boosting morale and motivation among the team.
Career Development Opportunities: A manager rewards a high-performing employee with access to a special training program, recognizing their contributions and investing in their growth.
Team Celebrations: A project leader throws a small celebration after the team meets a critical deadline, reinforcing the connection between performance and reward.

3. Expert Power

Mentorship: A seasoned analyst shares best practices and troubleshooting tips with new team members, establishing themselves as a go-to resource for guidance.
Leading Through Crisis: During a challenging time, a CFO with deep financial expertise takes the lead on financial restructuring, guiding the company through critical decisions.
Problem-Solving Sessions: An IT specialist organizes a workshop to address recurring system issues, earning respect by proposing practical, evidence-based solutions.

4. Referent Power

Building Trust: A leader consistently follows through on promises and treats everyone with respect, cultivating a loyal team that values their guidance.
Modeling Positive Behavior: A manager demonstrates empathy and flexibility during a busy season, inspiring team members to adopt similar supportive behaviors.
Inspiring Change: A passionate sustainability advocate within a company rallies team members around an environmental initiative, inspiring them through their enthusiasm and integrity.

5. Connection Power

Introducing Cross-Functional Teams: An operations manager connects marketing and product teams to brainstorm a new product launch, fostering collaboration and diverse perspectives.
Industry Networking: A leader with strong external connections introduces their team to influential industry experts, creating valuable opportunities for growth and insight.
Knowledge-Sharing Events: An HR director organizes lunch-and-learn sessions where employees from different departments can connect and exchange ideas, enhancing collaboration and innovation.

6. Information Power

Data-Driven Decision Making: A project manager shares recent customer feedback and survey data with the team, helping them make informed decisions for an upcoming product feature.
Competitive Insights: A marketing director compiles competitor analysis reports and briefs the team on key industry trends, empowering them to create a strategy with a competitive edge.
Transparent Updates: During a company transition, a CEO shares regular updates on progress and challenges, helping employees stay informed and reducing uncertainty.

7. Coercive Power

Enforcing Security Protocols: A cybersecurity director mandates two-factor authentication and other protocols, ensuring compliance through strict enforcement to protect sensitive data.
Meeting Deadlines: A project manager insists that team members meet a crucial deadline, warning that missed deadlines may impact performance reviews to underscore the importance of timely delivery.
Performance Standards: In a manufacturing setting, a supervisor strictly enforces quality control standards, clearly outlining that repeated non-compliance will result in disciplinary action to ensure product integrity.

How to Use the 7 Sources of Power Effectively

The first step to mastering power is self-awareness. Reflect on the types of power you most frequently use and observe how they affect those around you. Developing a “Personal Power Plan” helps you leverage your strengths while minimizing negative uses of power. Here’s a guide to creating your own plan:

Step 1: Assess Your Power Sources

Identify which of the 7 sources of power you naturally gravitate toward and how you use them. Do you rely heavily on legitimate power due to your role? Or do you find that you often use referent power to inspire? Make a note of your primary power sources.

Step 2: Set Goals for Balanced Power Use

Consider ways to incorporate more of the positive power sources, such as reward, expert, and referent power. For example, if you primarily rely on legitimate power, try incorporating more reward power through recognition or connection power by fostering collaboration.

Step 3: Create Action Steps

Tailor your actions to specific situations and relationships. Here’s a guide to using different power sources with various groups:

With Your Team: Use reward power through recognition programs or surprise thank-yous. Build expert power by sharing knowledge and being a resource.
With Senior Leadership: Rely on expert and information power by presenting data-backed recommendations. Increase referent power by building relationships and showing confidence in meetings.
Across the Organization: Develop connection power by introducing colleagues from different teams or organizing cross-functional collaborations.

Step 4: Review and Adjust

Periodically assess your use of power to ensure it remains balanced and positive. Consider feedback from colleagues and team members to refine your approach.

Understanding the 7 sources of power and applying them wisely can transform your leadership. Each source of power offers a unique way to guide, motivate, and inspire those around you. By building awareness, setting a strategic approach, and adjusting as you go, you can become a leader whose influence is both impactful and respected.

DOWNLOAD YOUR PERSONAL POWER PLAN WORKSHEET

To help you make the most of the 7 sources of power, download our Personal Power Plan Worksheet. This editable PowerPoint worksheet guides you through assessing your current power use, setting goals, and tracking your progress. By developing your Personal Power Plan, you can become a more balanced and effective leader, making a positive impact on your organization.

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