The Levels of Influence and Leadership

When thinking about leading and influencing your followers, consider these four levels:
Transformation: This highest level integrates personal values and principles with others' commitments. Leaders aspire to this approach and followers are inspired by it.
Transference: This next level connects people with their experiences and expectations based on the leader's traits and style. The "paternal" style in hierarchial organizations is that of a distant, protective leader. The "maternal" style is that of a nurturing parent who develops character through lessons and boundaries. The "sibling" style in flat organizations is that of social and professional peers influencing one another. Leaders of both genders can apply any of the three styles of transference. (Michael Maccoby: "Why People Follow the Leader: the Power of Transference," 2004)
Transaction: The second lowest level of influence simply facilitates an action in the easiest way possible or by eliminating objections. This can be a powerful sales technique.
Compliance: This lowest level of influence focuses on laws, policies, procedures, and their consequences should they not be heeded. There is a reason why organizations have Compliance Officers! Nonetheless, there can be a void of caring or connecting--the focus is on doing what must be done, or else!
During your next meeting, decide which action items need which level of influence. Then align your leadership approach with the best choice for the situation and for your reputation.