Choose a real-world example of someone you would describe as a great leader. Examples would include; Steve Jobs, Colin Powell, Mahatma Gandhi, Elon Musk, Margaret Thatcher, etc. Prepare a 500-word essay describing their leadership successes as they relate to the "sources and types of power" discussed in chapter 8. Be sure to address their source of leader power (person vs position), type of leader power, and the overall impact of such power upon their leadership efforts.
-Power of the Position Based on what leaders can offer to others Reward power is the capacity to offer something of value as a means of influencing others: “If you do what I ask, you will be rewarded.” Control over pay, promotions, and parking places are examples of reward power. Coercive power is the capacity to punish as a means of influencing others: “If you don’t do what I ask, you will be punished.” Coercive power is leadership by fear and intimidation. Legitimate power is the capacity to influence others by virtue of formal authority or the rights of office: “Because I am the leader, you should do as I ask.” Examples are the boss who assigns jobs, the coach who decides plays, the captain who gives orders, and the teacher who assigns homework. Information power comes from having access to data and news of importance to others: “I have important information, so you should do as I ask.” Keepers of standards, rules, and regulations have information power.
-Power of the Person Based on how leaders are viewed by others Expert power is the capacity to influence others because of expertise, specialized knowledge, or skill. A mechanic, actor, or lawyer may be influential because she is recognized as the best in her profession. Ability in an art, science, a profession, or a trade are examples of expert power. Referent power is the capacity to influence others because of their desire to identify with the leader. Unselfish motives and virtuous character raise trust and respect. Being admired as a role model brings referent power. Rational power is the capacity to influence others because of well-developed reasoning and problem-solving ability. Intelligence increases rational power. Charisma power is the ability to motivate and inspire others by force of personal traits, including optimism, sense of adventure, and commitment to a cause. Charisma power transforms people to achieve superior performance.