Choose a real-world example of someone you would describe as agreat leader. Examples would include; Steve Jobs, Colin Powell,Mahatma Gandhi, Elon Musk, Margaret Thatcher, etc. Prepare a500-word essay describing their leadership successes as they relateto the "sources and types of power" discussed in chapter 8. Be sureto address their source of leader power (person vs position), typeof leader power, and the overall impact of such power upon theirleadership efforts.
-Power of the Position Based on what leaders can offer to othersReward power is the capacity to offer something of value as a meansof influencing others: “If you do what I ask, you will berewarded.” Control over pay, promotions, and parking places areexamples of reward power. Coercive power is the capacity to punishas a means of influencing others: “If you don’t do what I ask, youwill be punished.” Coercive power is leadership by fear andintimidation. Legitimate power is the capacity to influence othersby virtue of formal authority or the rights of office: “Because Iam the leader, you should do as I ask.” Examples are the boss whoassigns jobs, the coach who decides plays, the captain who givesorders, and the teacher who assigns homework. Information powercomes from having access to data and news of importance to others:“I have important information, so you should do as I ask.” Keepersof standards, rules, and regulations have information power.
-Power of the Person Based on how leaders are viewed by othersExpert power is the capacity to influence others because ofexpertise, specialized knowledge, or skill. A mechanic, actor, orlawyer may be influential because she is recognized as the best inher profession. Ability in an art, science, a profession, or atrade are examples of expert power. Referent power is the capacityto influence others because of their desire to identify with theleader. Unselfish motives and virtuous character raise trust andrespect. Being admired as a role model brings referent power.Rational power is the capacity to influence others because ofwell-developed reasoning and problem-solving ability. Intelligenceincreases rational power. Charisma power is the ability to motivateand inspire others by force of personal traits, including optimism,sense of adventure, and commitment to a cause. Charisma powertransforms people to achieve superior performance.
