What type of power is derived from a leader's accumulation of knowledge, skills, and capabilities?

Expert power is the type of power that comes from a leader's accumulation of knowledge, skills, and capabilities. This form of power is based on the perception that the leader possesses expertise in a specific area, which can influence and guide others effectively. When team members recognize a leader's competence, they are more likely to defer to their judgment and advice. This trust is rooted in the leader's ability to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in practice, earning respect and authority within a group.

In contrast, legitimate power stems from a position or role within an organization, which may not inherently involve any specialized knowledge. Reward power relies on the ability to grant benefits or rewards to influence behavior, while coercive power is based on the ability to impose penalties or negative consequences. These distinctions highlight why expert power is uniquely tied to a leader's proven expertise and abilities rather than their formal title or the ability to reward or punish.