This article defines power, focuses on sources and types of power, how leaders can increase their power, and how effective leaders use power without hurting the organization and its members. Leaders who work to increase their personal power, persuasiveness, and expertise will enhance their effectiveness. If they exercise authority over others with sensitivity, avoid dominating or threatening them, and rely on their expertise and personality to influence them, leaders can enhance their effectiveness. Effective leaders do not display the characteristics associated with an abrasive personality which would cause them to under-utilize the talents of employees.
Effective leaders increase their personal power by empowering others in the organization.
P ower interests people involved in romantic relationships, as well as in workplace organizations. Employees in many organizations seek decision-making power, or power to gain the ear of their superiors over issues that affect their daily work lives. This article defines power, focuses on the sources and types of power, how leaders can increase their power, and how effective leaders use power without hurting the organization and its members. Those in power have the ability and capacity to get others to do what they want them to do. These definitions of power focus on the successful way leaders influence their followers to produce an effect.