Leadership offers a lot of potential power. However, changing organizations or losing your title means losing some of that power. Personal power, on the other hand, remains with you and cannot be taken away. Both types of power help you influence others and achieve organizational goals. Let’s explore what positional power is, how it differs from personal power, and ways to cultivate it to increase your influence.
What is Positional Power?
Positional power comes from your rank or title in an organization. It is authority based on your place in the hierarchy, not personal qualities. This influence is linked to your role, not your personal traits or abilities.
Different Types of Positional Power
Positional power comes in different forms. Here are the most common types:
Legitimate Power
The authority that comes with your position. For example, a CEO has authority over employees because of their role.
Reward Power
The power to offer rewards or incentives. Consider a manager giving bonuses or promotions.
Coercive Power
The power to enforce consequences or punishments. This includes a supervisor’s ability to discipline or fire employees.
Information Power
Have control over key data or knowledge in the organization. This applies to individuals with access to critical information or communication channels.
Connection Power
Influence comes from networks and relationships. Well-connected people can use these connections to gain influence.
What is Personal Power?
Personal power comes from your individuality, not your job title. It arises from your skills, competencies, and personal traits. Unlike positional power, personal power is earned through actions, expertise, and character.
Types of Personal Power
This type of power can inspire and motivate others, often more effectively than formal authority. It can appear in two different ways:
Referent Power
Due to the respect and admiration people have for you.
Expert Power
Based on what you know and can do in a certain field.
Positional Power vs Personal Power – How Are They Different?
Positional power and personal power allow people to influence others and affect their behaviors. However, they differ in their sources and methods of use. Key differences include:
Source of Power
Positional power comes from an official role or position in an organization. Personal power comes from an individual’s qualities and attributes.
Basis of Influence
Positional power comes from the authority of a role.
Personal power comes from an individual’s character, skills, and others’ perceptions.
Dependence on Title
Positional power relies on having a certain title or role.
Personal power exists without any official title or position.
Respect
Positional power relies on an individual’s rank within the organization to exert influence over others. Personal power comes from a person’s skills and character, allowing them to inspire trust and admiration without needing a formal title.
Reach
Positional power is limited to the authority granted by one’s job title. Personal power stems from an individual’s skills and the respect they earn from others.
Duration
Positional power lasts as long as an individual holds their title or role in the organization. Personal power lasts beyond job titles; it is based on a person’s skills and the respect they earn over time.
Influence Over People
Positional power comes from your official title and the authority it grants you within an organization. Personal power is shaped by your unique qualities and the respect you earn from others.
Skills Needed
Positional power is authority given by a specific role in an organization. Personal power is gained through your skills and the respect you earn from others.
How to Develop Positional Power?
The best way to gain positional power is through personal power. This builds traits and habits that make you an inspiring example.
Climbing higher positions quickly helps you use tools to empower others and spread influence fast, creating meaningful change.
Use these techniques to gain positional power:
Build Your Network
Have you heard the saying that your network is your net worth? It holds some truth. Knowing more people increases your chances of new opportunities. However, not all connections are equal. Key players are important. This includes decision-makers, recruiters, managers, executives, entrepreneurs, and ambitious individuals.
Building relationships with them can lead to new opportunities. How do you grow such a network? Attend networking events regularly. Everyone begins small and grows gradually. Create an online presence and engage with posts. Offer value to key players, even for free at first. Connect people as your network expands. Follow up with your contacts. Building relationships with key players requires effort but offers long-term benefits.
Provide Value
Providing value upfront makes you more valuable to others. Eventually, you’ll reap the benefits of your efforts.
Why don’t more people do this? Many focus on short-term gains, missing the long-term benefits of offering value freely and without expectation. This approach makes you stand out.
How can you provide value? Share key lessons you learn online. Offer insightful articles. Help others without charging. Publicly acknowledge others’ successes. Show genuine interest in people. Connect people in your network. Go above and beyond.
These are just a few ways to provide value. There are countless more. Regularly ask yourself how you can provide value.
Take Ownership
The difference between reactive and proactive behavior defines who rises in groups and organizations. Leaders take ownership proactively, going after scary opportunities. Most avoid responsibility, but those who take charge are rewarded.
Want something better? Create opportunities. Take extra items from the company’s to-do list. Research and develop innovative ideas. Consider projects that benefit your company. It requires effort, and not all ideas will be accepted. However, a proactive approach and willingness to own tasks will set you apart. Seek ownership often.
Develop Your Communication Skills
Gaining positional power relies on communicating well. Use small talk to build relationships, practice empathic listening, and show social confidence. Communication matters. It may be natural for some, but introverts need to put in energy and effort. Still, it’s possible, as many introverts are exceptional listeners.
How to improve communication? Attend networking events and meetups. Talk to many people, even if it feels awkward. Invest in courses and workshops to learn interpersonal skills. Practice new social skills as you gain confidence in approaching people. Ask colleagues and friends for feedback on your personal skills.
What is the fastest way to develop communication skills? Communicate often. It’s not rocket science, and it’s not easy. Start by getting comfortable in uncomfortable situations, then keep communicating regularly to build self-confidence.
Expand Your Influence
As your network and status grow, keep expanding your influence. Initially, say yes to many opportunities, but eventually, you’ll need to start saying no more often.
When you gain influence and power, look for or create opportunities to:
- Lead a project.
- Play a key role in important projects.
- Present findings to an audience.
- Engage in speaking events.
- Write a paper or book.
Seek opportunities that set you apart. Take ownership, be proactive, and consistently go the extra mile.
Find a Coach or Mentor
Finding a coach or mentor is crucial for developing positional and personal power. A good mentor provides guidance and shares valuable experiences. They can help you navigate challenges and identify growth opportunities.
Look for someone with experience in your field. Their insights can save you time and effort. Establish a clear relationship and set goals together. Regular meetings can keep you on track. Be open to feedback. This will help you grow and improve. A strong mentor-mentee relationship can significantly accelerate your path to success.
How to Develop Personal Power That Earns Positional Power?
Cultivate Trust Through Transparency
Cultivating trust requires honesty and openness. Share your thoughts clearly. Admit mistakes and take responsibility. Show consistency in your actions. Act with integrity at all times. People are more likely to trust you when they see you are genuine and reliable in your interactions. Build relationships based on trust.
Follow Through to Build Reliability
Follow through on your commitments. When you say you will do something, make sure you do it. Consistency builds reliability. People value those who keep their word. This habit strengthens your reputation. Trust grows as others see you deliver on promises. Reliability is key to earning respect and power.
Spend Your Social Capital Wisely
Spend your social capital wisely. Use your connections to support others and create win-win situations. Invest your time in relationships that benefit both parties. Avoid overextending yourself or trying to please everyone. Focus on meaningful interactions that will strengthen your network and promote your growth.
Nurture Strong Relationships
Nurturing strong relationships is essential for growth. Make time for your connections. Regular check-ins show you care. Listen actively to build trust. Celebrate their achievements. Offer help when needed. Focus on quality interactions. Strong relationships lead to more opportunities and support in your personal and professional life.
Embrace Your Authenticity
Embrace your authenticity. Being genuine helps build trust. People appreciate honesty. Show your true self in all interactions. Avoid pretending to be someone you’re not. This will attract the right people into your network. Authenticity fosters connections that are strong and meaningful, leading to more opportunities and support.
Personal vs. Positional Power Examples
Examples of using individual power
Personal power can be seen when someone offers help to a colleague without expecting anything in return. This builds trust and strengthens relationships. On the other hand, positional power is demonstrated when a manager delegates tasks and makes decisions that impact the team. This shows their authority and ability to influence outcomes within the organization.
Examples of using positional power
Positional power is seen when a team leader assigns roles to team members and sets deadlines. This clearly outlines who is responsible for what and creates accountability. Personal power is showcased when a colleague mentors a new hire voluntarily. This act builds trust and helps to create a supportive work environment. Both types of power play important roles in an organization.
Why Are Both Personal and Positional Power Important?
Both personal and positional power are important for success in any organization. Personal power helps individuals build trust and strong relationships. It allows people to influence their peers without relying solely on authority. Positional power gives people formal authority to make decisions and guide teams. Together, these powers create a balanced approach to leadership. They enable collaboration and accountability. Success often depends on how well individuals can blend these two types of power.
FAQs
What is the difference between position power and legitimate power?
Positional power comes from the job title, not the person’s qualities. It is called legitimate power and is recognized by those it affects.
What are some power positioning techniques?
One example of personal power is when an employee helps a teammate finish a project without expecting anything in return, showing their willingness to support others. An example of positional power is when a manager sets team goals and assigns tasks, clearly stating who is responsible for each area.
Is positional influence personal power?
An example of personal power is mentoring a colleague to help them grow professionally. This builds a supportive environment. An example of positional power is when a supervisor sets deadlines for a project. This establishes clear expectations and holds team members accountable for their responsibilities.
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