Fit to Represent, Vision for Discipleship Seminar

Appendix III: Culture and Leadership ▪ 135

The Differences between Formal and Informal Leadership

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

Formal Leadership

Informal Leadership

According to position

According to influence

Appointed: placed

Acknowledged: recognized

Authority by virtue of official status

Authority by virtue of trust and confidence

May be coercive (can enforce their will)

Is essentially attractive (can only draw out another)

Is situational (invested in the person and their impact)

Is perpetual (invested in the title or position)

Power can be enforced positionally

Power extends no farther than leader’s ability to effect

May be highly valued, but is rarely decisive

Is usually valued, and is usually decisive (for good or ill)