The Most Powerful Power Base
From my general observations of people, among the six bases of interpersonal power, i.e. (1) Coercive Power, (2) Reward Power, (3) Legitimate Power, (4) Information Power, (5) Expert Power, and (6) Referent Power, the most powerful is Referent Power.
From my perspective, power coming from individuals that have deep respect for someone is strong. Expecting obedience because of your position will not always work. You will not always have authority to draw upon and make people act. We feel too entitled to power. It makes us ignore the reality — people have no inherent reason to trust or respect us just because of who we are.
In being charismatic, you become more empathetic, understanding of the emotions of others. You alter the way people perceive you through this power base. Referent Power makes you sensitive to people’s opinions, wanting to earn approval. Building this kind of empathy attunes us to the various moods of the people around us.
From my experience of seeing the different styles of leadership of people, having good interpersonal skills will get people to respect you better. The best Power Tactic to translate the Power Base, Referent Power, is Rational Persuasion. Being rational is necessary for people to follow you. Being logical creates a sense of purpose.
In using rationality, we can make it clear to show that our primary consideration is not ourselves and our sensitive egos but the welfare of the group. In expressing this power, we should practice what we preach, work harder than others, sacrifice our own interests if necessary, and be accountable for any mistakes. We expect the members of the group to follow our lead and prove themselves in return.
With such an attitude, we will notice a very different effect. People will open themselves to our influence (through understanding what is really going on and the relationship) ; as we move toward them, they move toward us. Once you have gained people’s trust, they will stand by you as their leader, no matter the bad circumstances.
