Connecting Power Types and Leadership Approaches in Academia Can Enhance Our Influence and Maximize Impact.

Abstract

Power types are systems of influence leaders can use when faced with an opportunity or challenge; thus, power types can be viewed as tools in the leader's toolbox. Each tool has a unique purpose and can be used based on the situation at hand. Just like individual strengths, leadership styles, and preferences can vary among leaders, no one power type is better or worse than another. Whereas there is substantial discussion about leadership styles and personality preferences in the academic pharmacy literature, little is present regarding the use of power types in higher education administration, and even less in health professions education administration. Leaders across the academy can benefit from understanding how to exert influence from the various power type approaches, regardless of whether they hold formal administrative positions or are influencing and leading without formal leadership titles. This commentary focuses on identifying approaches to power, as distinct from leadership styles, and calls on both individual leaders and the Academy to integrate power types and power dynamics more coherently into conversations about leadership and leadership approaches. Like leadership styles and strengths, power types can be helpful in times when leaders are at their best and can work against leaders in times of stress. Understanding more about power types, and their benefits and drawbacks, can help leaders at all levels better use their power, express their voice, and influence in their locus of control.