How do you build your authority as a leader? Well first, let's define what we mean by authority.
The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Oxford English Dictionary
As a leader, it is important that people will follow your decision and instructions. Authority is when you have the power to make this happen. So where does this authority come from?
There are four types of authority and to be an effective leader, we should consider which authority is enforcing our leadership and when to use the different authority styles.
Structural Authority
Structural authority is perhaps the most obvious type of authority which is provided by our position. That fact that we are the CEO, the president, the parent. The position that we have carries the right to give orders and many people will respond to this type of authority.
In business, this authority type works better with junior staff who need to have the comfort that there is a leader who will tell them what needs to be done. However, it doesn't work well in all situations and sometimes staff can feel they are not being listened to if they feel they know better but are being constantly overruled.
If structural authority is overused, it can start to demoralise people and make them feel that they would be more comfortable elsewhere. So watch out.
Structural authority is based on our IQ.
Sapiential Authority
Sapiential authority is where we have the power to lead because of the knowledge we have. You are the subject matter expert and people will have to bow to your superior knowledge. A good example of these types of leaders are scientists, lawyers, doctors etc.
In business, many staff will need support to develop and your knowledge is required to get the best out of them. However, this type of leadership won't work for someone who is equally as or more knowledgeable.
Again, if overused, you can become a bit of a "know-it-all" and it could start throwing a negative shadow over achieving results.
Sapiential authority is based on our IQ.
Charismatic Authority
Charismatic authority occurs when we are passionate and can create enthusiasm in a team. A good example of this is the football coach who gets the team all fired up in the locker room or Martin Luther King with his "I have a dream" speech.
In business, charisma has its place but can quickly become overused if not careful. Staff don't just want to know how great things will be they want to know how they will get there and have some security in their jobs on their journey. Charisma is important but needs to be carefully balanced.
Charismatic authority is based on our EQ.
Moral Authority
Moral authority occurs when we lead through being able to show that we are doing the right thing. Religious leaders are a good example of this.
In business, this may in some situations be an important type of authority. Imagine where someone feels there is favouritism in the company. Or that the pay levels are not fair. In some situations in business, you need to show that you are a trustworthy and honest leader so that people will respect you and follow you.
Again, if you overuse this, you may start coming across as a bit arrogant. That you are higher and mightier than everyone else.
Moral authority is based on our EQ.
Flexing your authority
In reality, we need to balance the types of authority we use and respond to the situation. As we have seen, the overuse of any type of authority can start becoming negative. The key is to examine the situation and work out which of these four authority types is going to get you the best result. People respond differently depending on their strengths, weakness, their current personal drivers and issues.
Flexing the type of authority you use will give you the best results as a leader.