Bob Dixon delves into the concept of power in leadership, exploring how it influences both formal and informal settings. Drawing on his military background and leadership experience, Bob breaks down the five main sources of power: legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, and referent power. Through personal anecdotes and examples from his childhood, Bob illustrates how these types of power manifest in everyday situations, business, and life.
Key Takeaways:
- Power isn’t just tied to official positions; it’s about influence and how leaders interact with those around them.
- Bob shares his experiences with his father, highlighting how different types of power played out in his upbringing.
- How to balance formal and informal power to enhance leadership effectiveness.
- Reflect on which type of power you’re using with your team and in different scenarios.
- Improve your expert and referent power through continuous learning, respect, and authentic connections.
Quotes:
“In a changing world like ours, it’s easy to become irrelevant if you’re not continuously learning.”
“Referent power… it can be transformational when somebody you truly respect is helping you develop your skills.”
“All your interactions with your employees, ask yourselves if you’re using the right form of power for this person in this situation.”
