Leadership & Different Types

of Influence Processes
yourbusiness.azcentral.com
1 min read

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L
eadership involves having a worthy vision and the ability to
accomplish it. Successful managers possess leadership
qualities of influencing others toward achieving
organizational objectives. Influencing others requires some type of
power. Power and leadership are closely related: while an individual
can wield power without being a leader, an individual cannot be a
leader without power. Small-business managers can improve their
leadership skills by understanding the sources of power and
influence.

Charisma
Charisma is the power of influence inherent in a leader’s style or
personality. A charismatic leader develops a new, ambitious vision for
the company and communicates it to employees through powerful
speeches and unique behavior. The charismatic leader is also
sensitive toward the needs of employees. Managers can augment their
charisma by making small changes in behavior to create better
rapport with others, such as making more eye contact or smiling.

Legitimacy
Legitimate power resides in the leader’s position. People comply with
legitimate requests because they feel they have to. Legitimate
requests are more effective if they are made with respect and
humility rather than arrogance.

Rewards
Influence by rewards requires offering something in return for
complying with a request. Rewards should be of value to the person.
Effective rewards may come in the form of public recognition and
awards. More importantly, the link between behavior and reward
should be clear to employees.

Expertise
Leaders can exercise influence by rational persuasion based on
knowledge, skills or special abilities. The leader presents a plan of
action with logical arguments and supporting evidence. Professionals
such as lawyers, physicians and accountants draw on this type of
influence.

Relationships
The leader’s relationship network is a source of power and influence.
To cultivate this type of power, managers need to identify and
befriend the right people. Moreover, they should repair damaged
relationships, improve their image, and seek to understand others
better.

Empowering
To builds an effective organization, managers should avoid hoarding
power. Leaders need to empower followers and teach them the
effective use of power and leadership. Empowering leverages
manager's influence and increases leadership effectiveness.
About the Author

Alfred Sarkissian holds a master’s degree in industrial management.

With experience in business and public policy, he has covered
intellectual property rights, industrial policy and technology policy
for various publications.

Photo Credits

• Phil Ashley/Lifesize/Getty Images