The Bottom Line

• Remote and flexible work challenges the traditional workplace authority model.
• Now, positional leaders who used to rely on rewards and punishments have limited options.
• They can attempt to use surveillance where it is likely to harm productivity, such as remote knowledge and ...

Referent power is about leading by example. Aspiring leaders and those retooling to lead in the post-pandemic world can develop their referent power through modelling transparency and authenticity, as well as listening and compassion.

Activist leaders must practice what they preach. An effe...

In addition to authenticity, listening to and understanding others underpins human connections. Relationships are much more intrinsically motivating than transactional rewards and punishments. Even before the pandemic, 78% of employees were willing to

The only way to lead effectively when you can’t force people to do something is to be an example, share information, and lead from a place of caring.

If...

Leaders can lead through referent, expert, and informational power, using purpose-centred inspiration while changing work organization to replace domination with the focus on wellbeing, outcomes, flexibility, and participation.

Positional leaders still can and need to use legitimate, reward...