What is referent power?

Building Coalitions
Written By Stacia Aylward

The Challenge

Referent power is a type of power that comes from being respected or admired by others. Who do you know who has a high degree of referent power, and what does that look like when they interact with their team?

Why do this?

There are many different forms of power that a manager can make use of to lead their teams. (By the way, if you noticed that this challenge is similar to another one you've done, you're right. It is! We developed a series dedicated to the different forms of power, and this challenge is part of that series.)

Understanding these forms well enough to use them deliberately (and appropriately) will help you manage your relationships and develop your team. 

What’s next?

Now think about it from the other perspective. How does this person's team react to this form of power? Is it a useful tool in helping them to achieve their goals? 

Stacia Aylward

Zelos CEO Stacia C. Aylward is an executive leader and lifelong learner with broad professional experience in envisioning and leading programs, projects and teams; facilitating and teaching adults; conducting research; and developing client relationships using proven methodologies in many government and technical fields, including economics, education, healthcare, housing, non-profit governance, IT and law. Stacia holds a master’s degree in Communication and Information, a bachelor’s degree in English, a Six Sigma black belt certification, and a Coach Approach to Leadership credential.

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