What Is Referent Power?
Referent power is the ability to influence others based on personal qualities that build trust, respect and admiration. Not authority based on position or expertise, referent power is based on relationships. It works on the leader’s ability to connect with people at a deeper level, creating an environment where followers will follow them.
History of Referent Power
The concept of referent power was first coined by social psychologists John R. P. French and Bertram Raven in their original framework of the five bases of power: legitimate, expert, reward, coercive and referent. French and Raven described referent power as influence based on personal appeal and strong relationships. Since then it has been considered one of the most stable and powerful bases of leadership.
Examples of Referent Power
Jacinda Ardern (Former Prime Minister of New Zealand)
Known for her compassionate leadership style, Ardern won admiration globally for her empathetic and calm approach, especially during crises like the Christchurch mosque attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her ability to connect with people on a human level made her a role model for modern, empathetic leadership.
Oprah Winfrey (Media Mogul and Philanthropist)
Oprah’s authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional connection with her audience made her a global icon.
She uses her influence to inspire, empower, and advocate for important causes, earning loyalty and admiration.
Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft)
Nadella’s leadership at Microsoft is characterized by his humility, empathy, and focus on a growth mindset.
His ability to inspire innovation and empower employees has made him a respected and admired leader in the business world.
Mike Cannon-Brookes (Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Atlassian)
Mike Cannon-Brookes is admired for his visionary leadership, passion for innovation, and commitment to sustainability.
He inspires others by openly advocating for renewable energy and tackling climate change while leading Atlassian as one of Australia’s most successful tech companies.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Referent Power
Advantages
- Lifelong loyalty: Leaders who use referent power build real relationships that create dedication.
- Motivation: Employees feel empowered when they trust and respect the leader.
- Sustainable influence: Unlike position based power, referent power is not affected by changes in titles or roles.
Disadvantages
- Fragility of trust: Referent power is based on trust which can be hard to rebuild if broken.
- Overdependence: A leader relying only on referent power may struggle in situations that require decisiveness or authority.
How to Develop Referent Power
1. Build relationships
Spend time getting to know your team’s individual strengths, needs and aspirations. Real connections create trust.
2. Show integrity
Consistency between words and actions is key. Leaders with integrity earn the respect to inspire others.
3. Develop charismatic behaviours
Charisma doesn’t mean being outgoing—it’s about being confident, empathetic and interested in others’ success.
4. Get Coaching and Mentoring
Work with leadership coaches who can provide guidance and strategies for developing interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
Referent Power in Leadership
Leaders in business can use referent power to build team cohesion and drive business success. Unlike reward or cohersive power, referent power creates intrinsic motivation where employees align with a shared vision not external incentives.
Referent power can also be combined with other forms of influence. For example, with expert power it increases credibility and with reward power it acknowledges effort.
Ethical Considerations when Using Referent Power
With great power comes great responsibility. Leaders must ensure their use of referent power is ethical. Manipulating trust for personal gain or creating blind loyalty can undermine business goals and damage workplace morale. Authenticity and accountability are key to using referent power responsibly.
Increase Your Leadership Impact
Referent power is a resource any business leader can use to inspire and motivate their team. By building trust, showing integrity and creating real relationships you can increase your leadership impact and benefit your business. Start by reviewing your current influence strategies and have a chat with one of our professional coaches to get you there.
