So much potential power comes from holding a position of leadership.
But when you switch to a new organization — or if you lose the title that gave you this power — you lose all of the positional power that came with your title.
However, personal power is a source of power that cannot be taken away from you. Together, positional power and personal power work to help you exert influence and meet organizational goals.
Let’s explore what positional power means, how it differs from personal power, and how you can cultivate positional power to grow your influence at your organization.
What is positional power?
Positional power is the type of power you have when you have a specific rank or title in an organization. It's the authority you get because of where you sit in the hierarchy, not because of who you are as a person. This type of influence is tied to your role, regardless of your individual traits or abilities.
Types of positional power
There are several types of positional power. Here are the five most common:
- Legitimate power: The formal authority granted by your position. For example, a CEO's authority over employees due to their role.
- Reward power: The ability to provide benefits or incentives. Think of a manager offering bonuses or promotions.
- Coercive power: The authority to enforce consequences or punishments. This includes a supervisor's ability to discipline or terminate employees.
- Information power: Control over important data or knowledge within the organization. This applies to those with access to crucial information or communication channels.
- Connection power: The influence derived from networks and relationships. This type benefits well-connected individuals who can leverage their relationships for influence.
Examples of positional power
There are several types of positional power you can hold in an organization. But not all positions grant you the same type of power.
For example, as an effective team leader, you may have positional, expert, and referent power, depending on your authority and skillset. But most team leaders don’t have reward or coercive power.
A department manager or HR manager, on the other hand, may have reward and coercive power, which grants them legitimate power.
Other examples of positions that grant positional power include:
- CEO: Holds significant positional power as the highest-ranking executive, responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the company.
- Manager: Holds positional power over their team, with the authority to assign tasks, evaluate performance, and make decisions regarding team operations.
- Department head: Controls specific organizational resources and processes within their department, influencing how work is done and how resources are allocated.
What is personal power in leadership?
Personal power is the influence you wield based on who you are as an individual, rather than your official position. It stems from your unique combination of skills, competencies, characteristics, and other personal attributes.
Unlike positional power, personal power isn't granted by an organization or title. Instead, it's earned through your actions, expertise, and character.
This form of power can inspire and motivate others, often more effectively than formal authority. It can manifest in several ways:
- Expert power: Derived from your knowledge and skills in a specific area.
- Referent power: Based on the respect and admiration others have for you.
- Charismatic power: The ability to attract and inspire others through your personality.
- Moral power: Influence gained through perceived integrity and ethical behavior.
Leaders who effectively cultivate personal power often find they can lead more successfully, even without formal authority. This type of power tends to be more enduring and can transcend organizational boundaries.
Positional power vs. personal power: what’s the difference?
Both positional power and personal power enable individuals to influence others and impact their behaviors. However, they are fundamentally different in their sources and how they are exercised.
Positional power
Positional power gives an individual the authority to influence behaviors due to the role or position they hold within an organization. This power is associated with the title and the responsibilities that come with it, rather than the individual’s personal attributes.
With positional power, it is the title or role that holds the power, not necessarily the individual occupying the position.
Personal power
Personal power, on the other hand, originates from an individual’s personal attributes, skills, and how others perceive them. It is not tied to a formal position but rather to the person's inherent qualities and abilities. The main sources of personal power include:
With personal power, it is the individual themselves who holds the influence, allowing them to lead and impact others regardless of their official position or title.
Key differences between positional and personal power
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Source of power
- Positional power: Derived from the official role or position within an organization.
- Personal power: Originates from the individual's personal qualities and attributes.
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Basis of influence
- Positional power: Influence is based on the authority granted by the position.
- Personal power: Influence is based on the individual's character, skills, and how they are perceived by others.
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Dependence on title
- Positional power: Power is dependent on holding a specific title or role.
- Personal power: Power exists independently of any official title or position.
Why are positional power and personal power both important?
No one can take away your personal power. It comes from within you.
If your positional power changes or is completely taken away, you’ll still have your personal power to rely on.
This doesn’t mean that positional power doesn’t have its purpose. Positional and personal power work together to build your influence, inspire others, and have your team be fully involved in achieving your organization’s goals.
While personal power can help you inspire others, positional power gives you the legitimate power you need to veto and make decisions and move your team forward in unison.
5 ways to increase your positional power
Want to start building influence at work to increase your positional power? Here are five ways you can better yourself so that you move forward in your career path, which can lead to gaining more positional power.
1. Build your network
Networking is a key aspect of increasing your positional power. Sometimes knowing the right people can open the door to future opportunities.
Always be ready for an impromptu networking opportunity. One way to do this is to have an elevator pitch ready to present yourself in any situation. An elevator pitch is a 30-second speech that communicates your strengths.
You can use networking like an informal informational interview, enabling you to get an insight into what other jobs are like.
2. Find a sponsor
When you find someone willing to sponsor you, you’ll have a cheerleader who can vouch for you when opportunities for positional power open up.
That’s why a sponsor can make a huge difference in your career development.
A sponsor can also help you unlock your potential and drive your performance. They know what it takes to reach the position they’re currently in.
When looking for a sponsor, consider reaching out to someone who’s different from you. 71% of corporate sponsors are of the same gender or race as their primary sponsee. But partnering with someone of a different race or gender can help you both diversify your points of view and expand your knowledge.
3. Develop your communication skills
Communication is key in the workplace, no matter your position. But improving your communication skills can go a long way to helping you attain positional power.
When you know how to communicate better, you can better articulate your personal goals in an organization. This can help you make your case to your higher-ups to get a promotion.
But communication will also help you perform better in a position that holds more power. Those skills are necessary to guide your team in the right direction and keep them motivated.
4. Practice leadership skills and behaviors
Great leadership skills and characteristics don’t come on their own. Some people have innate leadership abilities, but it’s more likely that you’ll need to practice and develop those key leadership behaviors.
Some examples include:
One way to practice these skills is to become a mentor to someone else in your organization. You don’t need to have positional power to change someone else’s life right away.
5. Lead with more charisma
Charisma isn’t necessary to gain positional power. However, it does move the needle in your favor when you’re able to lead with more charisma.
Charismatic leadership is a blend of personal charm, communication skills, and persuasiveness that you can use to influence and motivate people.
In order to become charismatic, it’s important to cultivate self-confidence. It’s also key to practice self-awareness and humility. Charisma shouldn’t be confused with arrogance.
A charismatic and effective leader is mature and optimistic, even when dealing with disappointment. They’re also passionate about the work they do and have a strongly defined personal vision.
Start to practice sharing your enthusiasm about your work with others. Not only will leading with charisma help open doors to gain positional power, but it will also help you develop your personal power too.
Cultivate personal and positional power, no matter your role
Positional power is an important aspect of building influence. But so is personal power. Both have a role to play in your career development.
As you look for opportunities for promotion, consider finding ways to grow your personal power along with it.
Need help developing your personal and positional power? Connect with a BetterUp Coach and work to achieve your full potential.
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