Have you ever heard someone tell another person to just “tell ’em what to do … they’ve got to do what you say … you’re the boss”? Of course, we have all heard a statement that, while it may not contain those exact words, certainly relies on the concept of a job title for its authority. Leaders who rely on their job title for their authority are, at best, mediocre leaders. They are relying on what is often referred to as “position power”.
Great Leaders, on the other hand, rely on what is known as “personal power”. This is the influence that they have on others; the authority that they derive from their followers, the people who have recognized traits or characteristics that they have chosen to ally themselves with and to willingly follow. These include …
- Professional expertise – this is simply the recognition of a level of knowledge that surpasses the norm.
- Business acumen – the leader has established a reputation for making the right decisions at the right times.
- Experience – while very few can truly say that they’ve seen it all, experience is a vital component of personal power. Past experiences can help leaders make better decisions, pursuing paths that lead to success while avoiding actions that, in the past, have created more problems than they have solved.
- Personal loyalty – the leader has demonstrated loyalty to team members, supporting them in their times of need; accepting responsibility when outcomes have not met expectations while deflecting blame away from the team; crediting the team for successes.
Great Leaders understand that they can have a tremendous influence on outcomes, not by issuing orders but by offering suggestions; by asking questions that lead team members to the answers that they seek; by guiding inquiries and actions.
Click “Comment” and share your experiences working with a Great Leader who influenced you and helped you grow personally and/or professionally.
Tom Hoisington is a speaker, trainer, and author whose goal is to provide leaders and potential leaders with tools that empower them to build teams that are creative and cost effective along with a clearer understanding of how personality types interact within those teams. He can be contacted at tom.hoisington@eagleoneresources.com