Power is a person’s ability to influence others to do something they would not otherwise do. Coercive power involves threats and/or punishment to influence compliance. Legitimate power is based on the user’s position power, which is given by the organization.

When a leader has a lot of expert power and is trusted by followers as a reliable resource for wisdom and information, the leader can have tremendous influence over the long-term. Leaders are generally granted expert power in the fields in which they have reputable experience and education.

Position power  Derived from top-level management and delegated down the chain of command. Personal power  Derived from the follower.

Influence can be defined as the ability to affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, and it requires developing a strong emotional connection with yourself and others. Those who master the art of influence are often skilled at tapping into the emotions that drive people’s actions.

Power is an entity’s or individual’s ability to control or direct others, while authority is influence that is predicated on perceived legitimacy. Consequently, power is necessary for authority, but it is possible to have power without authority.

Power and influence both refer to naturally possessed traits that follow as a consequence of authority. The difference lies in how these two approaches to leadership encourage a team to complete their work. Power forces people to complete a task, where influence helps them understand why that task is necessary.