What are different sources of power and which types would you tend to associate with effective leadership?

“Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you, and ye shall be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

The sources of power are: expert, referent, legitimate, reward, coercive, and informational.

Expert deals with how much knowledge you have in that area of management. Referent deals with relationships, and charisma within management. Legitimate power deals with the title, and position description. Reward power is demonstrative of the ability to offer benefits and incentives to the team. Coercive power is given through forcible consequences. Lastly informational power is demonstrative of giving information through influence for positive implementation.

“Remember your leaders, who speak the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews13:7).

The two sources of power recommended to be very effective in leadership are referent, and informational. Referent power will empower the team with positive atmosphere and environment.

People want to be around leadership that create positive environments. Places that are welcoming and enjoyable. Leaders who have charisma and engage their team are very effective in leadership. This creates the opportunity for informational power to shine. In informational power, the person being influenced has been persuaded by the logic provided by the leader, not by his or her perceived expertise. The built relationship through charisma creates the opportunity to influence the team with expert advice and information with positive reinforcements. These two sources are a great example of powers to use for effective leadership. With these powers, Christian Leadership in ministry is easily acquired.

(Monterey D. Lee, Sr. is the pastor of the Celebration Christian Center, Inc., located at 1215 9th Ave. N., Nashville, Tenn. 37208. For more information, visit their website at www.celebrationchristian.online.)