When working on a project, it helps to have knowledgeable people on your team. An employee’s “expert power,” or level of experience in a certain field, improves team performance and fosters the development of innovative, competent leaders. You can better recognize and utilize the individuals on your team who have expert power if you have a firm grasp on what expert power is and how it may benefit your organization. This article will discuss the importance of expert power in leadership and how to build it.
What Is Expert Power?
The term “expert power” describes the influence someone has in a given field because of their level of expertise in that area. Many people look to those in positions of authority for help navigating complex problems or making important decisions. The expert’s influence stems from the esteem in which they are held and the results of their efforts in acquiring and applying their expertise.
Organizations benefit from having access to expert power because it increases cooperation, productivity, and efficiency. Those who wield this authority can persuade others by showing them the way and helping them with their issues. It’s important to use this authority ethically and properly, though, because doing otherwise can have unintended consequences or damage your reputation.
This is not to be confused with positional power, which can be utilized for either coercion or reward. However, expert power is something that must be developed through time, and there’s no universal formula for achieving it. Maintaining credibility amongst peers and coworkers is more of a process that necessitates ongoing growth of one’s skill set through deliberate practice.
In addition, leadership requires the use of expert power. When you establish yourself as an authority figure, people are far more receptive to taking direction from you.
Why Expert Power is Important?
Power by traditional means, such as rank, prestige, or threats of punishment, is essential, but it has its limits.
There may be an unproductive hierarchy in the workplace if everyone had access to the power that came with their position. Ability to reward is inconsistent and ability to coerce has drawbacks. All of these factors could contribute to an unhealthy workplace.
Expert power, on the other hand, is a form of power that everyone may access. The benefits of increased teamwork and communication outweigh the few drawbacks. Furthermore, since it is predicated on the idea that specialists know what they’re talking about, it is one of the most useful forms of authority available.
What Are the 5 Types of Power?
Among the five types of power that psychologists John R. P. French and Bertram Raven identified in 1959, expert power is one of the most influential. These four are the others:
#1. Coercive Power
The use of terror as a tool of coercive power is common. The prospect of losing one’s work, receiving a wage cut, or seeing one’s responsibilities or authority diminished is enough to induce panic in anyone.
Coercive power is demonstrated when a superior pressures an inferior to raise the latter’s performance.
#2. Reward Power
Reward power, as its name implies, is acquired through rewarding others. A pay raise, promotion, or paid time off are all viable options.
It is a form of power based on fostering growth and improvement. It’s a great way to boost morale and get the creative juices flowing in the workplace.
Managers might encourage their teams to achieve their monthly sales goals by offering incentives like an extra day off.
#3. Referent Power
Acquiring referent power requires first establishing credibility and earning respect from your peers. Referent power is something that often develops over the course of time, and it is something that is both precarious and easily lost. It is acquired through the manner in which we respond to situations and interact with other people.
For instance, a manager can have significant referent power if they have a reputation for being a fair boss who appreciates their staff and if they are quick to put things right when they go wrong.
#4. Legitimate Power
When one holds a position of authority inside a company or organization, that individual automatically possesses legitimate power. This could be by being the CEO or a key member of a team.
When an organization acknowledges an individual’s status as an authority figure, that person gains power.
Examples of Expert Power
A few examples of expert power at work are as follows:
#1. Expert Power in Team Members
An employee who speaks Spanish fluently and is the only one in their department to do so has considerable influence in that department, especially if knowing Spanish allows them to take on extra responsibilities. With this level of proficiency, the worker will be able to translate papers and communicate with customers whose first language is Spanish. If this expert power helps the department, the employee might want to bring it up while applying for a promotion or asking for more responsibility.
#2. Expert Power in a Manager
A manager’s ability to sell products or concepts could be crucial to a division’s success when it takes on new tasks for the organization. A manager with such authority would have an easier time convincing higher-ups of the merits of their ideas and leading their team to greater success across a wide range of tasks. The supervisor may also be in a better position to resolve conflicts and raise standards within the group.
Importance and Benefits of Expert Power
Here are the importance and benefits of expert power.
#1. Efficiency in Making Business Choices
When you have access to knowledgeable people, you can make better, more efficient choices for your business. You can improve the quality of your decisions and your level of assurance in them by spending more time doing something and learning as much as possible about it.
For instance, Paul didn’t have an easier approach to writing when he initially began out. Writing took him a lot longer than usual. He’s been a writer for almost a decade, and that’s allowed him to improve his speed and the quality of his work. When doing research, he is able to distinguish between what should and should not be mentioned. The time spent honing his abilities under the guidance of his mentors and managers and responding to their constructive criticism has helped him gain the assurance and competence he needs to succeed.
Making decisions is easier, faster, and more confident when you have expert power in the field.
#2. Possibility of Advancing One’s Profession
Having expert power at work can help you go up the corporate ladder (ideally, more quickly). Investing a lot of effort into learning and growing your expertise is a terrific thing to do when you’re just starting out in your job.
You’ll gain respect as an authority in your field once it’s obvious that you’re putting in the time and effort to specialize in it.
#3. Developed Experience in Leading Others
In addition to boosting your self-esteem and opening doors for professional advancement, enhancing your leadership abilities is a major career plus.
It’s worth noting, though, that technical expertise isn’t a guarantee for leadership success in any context. This is why it is essential to devote time and effort into perfecting your leadership and expert power abilities.
#4. Your Group Will Feel More Capable as a Result
Leading by example with your specialist power can inspire the rest of your team to hone their own skills.
You can motivate your staff to do the same by demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning. This allows them to develop their own expertise in their field.
In addition, when you teach others in your team what you’ve learned, everyone benefits.
What Are the Drawbacks of Expert Power?
There are benefits to having access to expert power in the workplace, but it also comes with certain cons. The following are some of the problems that might arise when experts have too much say in the workplace:
#1. Use of an Expert’s Services Wears Down Their Effectiveness
While your personal and team efficacy will increase as a result of your expert power, that power will always decrease as it is used. If you can successfully perform a complex audit, for instance, showing your entire auditing team how you did it several times a year will teach them how to do it themselves. Even if you share some of your information with your coworkers, you should still consider further increasing your expertise by continuous study so that you have more knowledge than they do in your field of expertise.
#2. Expertise Necessitates Regular Upkeep
You gain and maintain expert power through consistent skill development. This implies that as knowledge develops, evolves, and advances, so too must yours. A historian, for instance, would do well to familiarize themselves with historical theory by reading up on relevant materials and keeping tabs on relevant scholarly discussions.
#3. Impairment of Vision Is Possible
Better choices can be made with access to expert power, as was noted earlier. The downside is that you may become overly independent and stop seeking input from your colleagues.
You run the risk of making choices without fully considering all of the relevant information. Furthermore, being receptive to the ideas and feedback of your team members is essential if you hold a position of authority as an expert.
#4. It Can Come Off as Judgmental
There is a delicate balance between helping others and talking down to them while sharing your knowledge. If there is a huge knowledge gap between you and the person you are comparing, you should expect pushback if you make a negative comparison.
So, refrain from acting superior. Accept the notion that other people may possess knowledge that differs from your own. There is something to be gained from every perspective.
#5. Informational Silos
When one person or group has a lot of say over what others know, this can lead to the creation of knowledge silos. Organizational silos like these can hamper teamwork, prevent employees from learning from one another’s departments, and limit the free flow of information.
#6. Expertise Becoming Obsolete
Expertise can quickly become out of date in dynamic domains like technology. In order to keep their authority and respect, professionals must always be learning new things. If this doesn’t happen, their expert power will dwindle, making it hard for them to keep their position.
How To Build Expert Power
Here are some steps you can take right away to build your power as a leadership expert.
#1. Learn Constantly
Learning new things is the best strategy to grow your expert power in leadership. Learn as much as you can about the most recent advancements and trends in your profession. Expert power will put you in a position of leadership and give you an edge over the competitors.
Also, studying doesn’t have to happen only in a classroom. To hone your skills, you can learn via workshops, books, articles, and podcasts about your field. You can also find a plethora of online courses to rapidly advance your knowledge and expertise.
One of the best ways to learn more is to listen to the advice of those around you, such as your teammates, friends, and other experts in your industry. Be eager to learn from them and ask them lots of questions.
#2. Obtain Assistance
There is absolutely no shame in needing assistance and then asking for it. It’s possible that this strategy is one of the best strategies to build your expert power in your field. If you find people who already know what you need to know, you can pick their brains and speed up your own education.
Or, a management consultant might also be useful if you already have access to the necessary professional resources but want to maximize their effectiveness. It’s possible, though, that you’ll need some outside help in order to maximize your position’s benefits and realize your maximum potential. If that’s the case, it could be wise to bring in an expert consultant.
#3. Promote Yourself and Your Skills Discreetly
If no one knows that you have access to significant information, then you might as well not have it. You won’t win over followers if you flaunt your knowledge by talking down to them or acting superior to them.
Furthermore, claiming power as an expert in leadership requires you to skillfully market your competence.
There are various stealthy methods for accomplishing this. Put your awards and certificates on display at your office, especially if you attended a prestigious university or have been honored for your accomplishments in the past. Without you even having to say a word, your colleagues will come to respect you as an expert once they see your certificates and diplomas hanging on the wall.
In addition to speaking at events and mentoring new employees, you may volunteer your services as a writer for the company’s newsletter or blog. You can demonstrate your competence using any of these methods without drawing attention to yourself.
#4. Be Confident
Competence and confidence go hand in hand. You should anticipate to deal with challenges with more ease and assurance if you possess above-average knowledge or abilities in a certain area. In doing so, you’ll get the respect and admiration of your staff members.
Even if genuine self-assurance is preferable, it is not required. It’s important to give off an air of confidence and composure to your team, even if you’re struggling with uncertainty and indecision yourself.
You have to be careful not to jeopardize the business. Seek advice if you are truly stuck for options. Get the assistance of your team. It beats the alternative of watching everything burn to the ground. But in general, don’t let little doubts diminish your authority as an expert. Demonstrate assurance and let your staff know they can count on you.
#5. Keep Your Word
To be an expert is to possess extensive knowledge in a specific area. Expert power is based on the respect others have for you as a professional.
Having doubts about your knowledge could make you feel vulnerable. However, it is far more harmful to be unable to recognize your own weaknesses and learn from the experiences of others. Focus on communicating what you know and don’t try to pass off inflated expertise as your own if you want to be taken seriously as an expert.
Having said that, if you don’t know the answer, don’t worry about it. To be an expert means to acknowledge ignorance. Finding the answer or solution is more important to an expert than it is to a layperson. Once you shift your mindset away from thinking you have to have all the answers, you’ll find that your knowledge and experience make you a better question-asker and information synthesizer.
#6. Communicate Your Wisdom
Share what you’ve learned and give your coworkers the tools they need to succeed. Some examples of how to impart wisdom are:
- Making speeches
- Distributing periodic newsletters
- Engaging in social media posting
- Instructing a more junior worker
#7. Exhibit Your Knowledge
Some individuals and groups need visible indicators of authority to truly believe in their own expertise. Put your credentials out on display at your office. This includes certifications, degrees, and anything else that will help establish your credibility as an expert.
Photos of you giving a major speech or other accomplishments can also be included.
However, there is a catch. There’s certainly nothing wrong with taking pride in your accomplishments, but it’s best not to rub them in other people’s faces. Keep in mind that arrogance is not the same thing as confidence. Also, read HOW TO CREATE A BRAND NAME: Detailed Step-by-Step Guide.
Expert Power in Leadership
Few would-be leaders would rather lead only via the use of terror and authority. Instead, they can acquire the respect and trust of their staff by combining their personal powers (such as expert power) with their formal authority. It is great for team members to look up to you as a leader and consider your knowledge and experience essential to the company’s continued success.
Gary Yukl emphasizes the value of expert authority in his book Leadership in Organizations. A leader’s influence and standing can grow as more people look to them for guidance. The dread of punishment and the ability to award incentives are two examples of formal social power that Yukl says is significantly less effective than this one.
Developing that level of skill won’t be simple now. To master any subject thoroughly requires several years of dedicated study. Even so, new discoveries and innovations will always necessitate updating your expertise and training.
Furthermore, there is the problem of recognition, which we have already touched upon. It’s not enough to simply assert your expertise; you must also persuade others that you truly are an expert.
To that end, here are some things to keep in mind if you’re a leader looking to improve your expert influence in your organization:
- Propose workable answers to issues. Leaders are looked to for direction, so if a team member needs assistance, you should confidently offer it. Keep your cool and avoid arguments by giving others a chance to share their thoughts.
- Please impart your knowledge. Your official education, employment experience, and major accomplishments should be displayed in more than simply your office. When necessary, you should make an effort to draw on any applicable experience you may have. Expertise can be displayed through blog posts, social media commentary, and other means.
What Are Ways to Share Your Expert Power in Leadership?
One of the most effective strategies to utilize expert power in leadership is to impart that power to others. This serves two purposes, helping you keep your authoritative status while also benefiting your team.
#1. Invest in Your Team’s Potential
Don’t rush to help out a coworker who’s having trouble. Make the most of this chance to teach and mentor them by revealing the depth of your expertise and skill in the area.
This will encourage and inspire them to continue learning and progressing in their field.
#2. Recognize the Efforts of Others
Even if you’re the expert in the room, you still need your coworkers’ help to get things done. Team members who are recognized for their achievements may be more motivated to improve their own skills.
#3. Assist Coworkers in Honing Their Abilities
Filling up skill gaps can be facilitated by assisting team members in developing their abilities.
Here are a few suggestions for disseminating your knowledge:
- Share your knowledge of industry trends with your junior coworkers so that they can better direct their efforts.
- Team members can learn new abilities through training.
- Get on a regular publishing schedule through newsletters, blogs, or LinkedIn Pulse.
- Make your own video or audio podcast.
Conclusion
Expertise is a potent resource that may be used to excel in any endeavor. Experts are given more weight because of the presumption that they know what they’re talking about.
However, you can build your expert power by doing things like always challenging yourself to learn more, exhibiting your experience, and adapting it to the needs of the scenario. When used properly, expert power can aid in accomplishing personal goals and enhancing teamwork and communication in the workplace.
Expert Power FAQs
Why Use Expert Power?
One of the best ways to rise up the ranks of a business is to demonstrate your expert power to those in charge. It can help you project an image of authority and elevate your career to the next level.
What are the effects of expert power?
A loss of expert status can occur if an individual’s knowledge or abilities become out of date. Experts are human too, and they do make mistakes; this fact alone might cause others to doubt and mistrust their judgment.
How do leaders share power?
One person is still in charge although others have significant input and responsibilities under “shared leadership.” When power circulates, everyone benefits. Transparency, autonomy promotion, and an openness to others’ opinions all contribute to the growth of collaborative leadership.
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