Discuss how and why leaders are able to influence their followers Essay

Discuss how and why leaders are able to influence their followers. Illustrate your answer by using examples from different power - Essay Example It can be inferred that a person possessing these qualities form a good role as a leader. A leader demonstrates high self-esteem and positive attitude. He emphatically works towards the achievement of objective but never gets aggressive for it. A continuous training, self-study, and evaluation in life develop the traits of leader. Situation can never be as per our desire but response to those situations remains under our control. A good leader not only responds in a positive manner but also inspires other members of group to see the brighter side of the situation. Why Leaders Influence Followers Influence and leadership are complementary. It is considered as one of the integral elements of power. A potent leadership cannot sustain without influence because that is the fundamental aspect of leader. Influence forms part of the core components of leader’s traits. Influence is the ability of leader to maintain respect and position of power within an organization. Certainly, influe nce in a flourishing organization must not be used negatively and should be used positively to influence subordinates and co-workers. Leaders use influence in order to demonstrate their control and autonomy. Leaders need to influence followers to: Alter their schedules and plans Provide timely and relevant information Support and approve proposals and plans Carry out and accept new tasks Control inappropriate behavior How Leaders Influence Followers There are numbers of tactics that are utilized by leaders in order to influence followers. Power Use Model predicts tactics of leaders in terms of hardness and softness. Hard tactics include legitimating, exchange, assertiveness, pressures, coalitions, and upward appeal. Soft tactics include inspirational appeal, personal appeal, ingratiation, consultation, and rational persuasion. Three possible outcomes are revealed as a result of these tactics. They include resistance, compliance, and commitment. A successful leader is the one that un derstand what tactics will work best for specific group of individual or particular situation. If the anticipated outcomes are not attained, it indicates that an inappropriate tactic has been used. If leaders intend to drive a change, the art of influence must be learnt. 1. Reward Power Reward power comes from the perception of employee that supervisor or leader has the capacity to provide specific reward to deserving individuals. It is the leader’s ability of rewarding those employees, who demonstrate desirable behavior. Some examples of reward power include promotions, pay increase, status symbols, work schedules, bonuses, recognition awards etc. Even a simple privately or publicly admiration for a job done well is considered as reward and can be proved as a beneficial management tool. For instance, if an employee suggested a process enhancement that ultimately saves money of the respective department would be rewarded and in this way, reward power spurs motivation and prod uctivity at workplace. It is human nature to go that ‘extra mile’ for the sake of additive benefits. Many researchers argue that power is usually perceived. One has power only if he really believes he has it. 2. Coercive Power Coercive power is considered as having the perception of fear among employees. It is that power, which comes from the authority of an individual to punish. Leaders demonstrate this type of power by threatening others. According to