Good Authority vs. Bad Authority: Can You Spot the Difference?

As a leader, you are constantly sending messages to your employees. Through your words, you can build them up and propel them to achieve great things; alternately, you can tear them down and sabotage their success. Gervase Bushe draws out the differences between good and bad authority. Bad authority is preoccupied with its own importance. Good authority is concerned with the good of others. Bushe delineated:

Good Authority

Seeks adoration and being the center of attention

Serves the people

Has a vision of the great society, organization, etc.

Takes responsibility

Steps aside when it is appropriate to do so

Bad Authority

Adores others and makes them the center of attention

Self-serving

Has a vision of own greatness

Blames others

Holds onto power

Read the rest of his insights here.