by Michael Holland    

As a leader, you have authority over critical resources.  What’s the basis of that authority?  Generally, authority could be defined as: the power, the right, the clout to influence people and get them to do what you want and need them to.   But in active leadership we can delineate that definition a bit further. Here are several types of authority that can be leveraged.

Legal – based on the ability to influence others based on your official authority and position.

Expert – based on the ability to influence others based on your knowledge and expertise

Reverent – based on the ability to influence others based on your behavior, manner and approach

Reward – based on the ability to influence others by giving or withholding rewards

Punitive – based on the ability to influence others by imposing a penalty for fault, offense or violation

 

 

Related Leadership Learning Moments:

  1. Where Does Your Authority Come From?
  2. Do You Have Legitimate Authority?
  3. How Leaders Can Gain Legitimate Authority
  4. Draw the Line. You’re the Boss, not Their Best Friend.
  5. The Slow Fade of a Leader and His Authority
  6. Right Message Delivered the Wrong Way