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