Where does coaching authority comes from?

I've been doing some post grad study lately and, like always, I related what I was reading back to coaching. In this example the chapter was about conflict and the section was about sources of power in interpersonal relationships. And, as coaching is mostly about relationships, I thought I'd write something about it.

According to Beebe et al (2016) there are 5 sources of power. It is fair to say that some of the 5 could be considered negative and coercive. Some are inspirational.

As a coach it would be an interesting exercise to reflect on how your 'authority' is derived.

For coach educators, a similar exercise would be worthwhile.

Before you get to the list, I'll ask everyone to write a comment about which Power base they see in coaches they admire and which they see in coaches they don't.

Legitimate Power

• based on position/authority
• coaches expect players to do what they say, without question, purely because of the position

Referent Power

• comes from attraction/charisma
• players like the coach and do what they say because they want to be liked by them

Expert Power

• comes from the coach's knowledge and experience
• players trust the coach and do what they say because they believe in them

Reward Power

• based on a person's ability to satisfy our needs
• players do what the coach says so they will get on the court and/or receive praise

Coercive Power

• based on the use of sanctions or punishments to influence others
• players do what the coach wants so they won't be marginalised

Beebe, S.A., Beebe, S.J., & Redmond, M.V. (2016). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others [e-book].

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