Types of Power

Chris Berntsen
Types of Power
After watching the tutorials on power, I have found that there are more types of power then I thought of previously. Some of these seem to be effective, while others seem to be less effective. The ones that I find to be the most effective are Referent and Expert. There is much benefit in a hard working approach to power, such as with the referent form of power. You ensure that thing get done in an easy and fair manner. Also with the expert form of power, you ensure that you are also on top of the situation, regardless of the surrounding factors, such as people or other stresses. I would like to believe that I have these types of power, but more commonly in my job, I use legitimate power. Most of the time I have to be the one to tell all my fellow employees what to do, how the boss wants it done, and when to do it. Pretty much, I’m seen as the authoritative type. My boss more uses the coercive form of power, which I think is probably the least effective type. It almost makes me want to perform at a lower level when being treated in that way. When he does use that form of power, I guess I do use some expert power by not responding in a negative way to his coercive attitude. Being aware of these types of power, and which ones work and don’t work should definitely help me with my leadership skills and make me a better manager, at work as well as at home with my