If you want to know the difference between power and authority, you already do.
  Think of a time that you had to follow instructions given to you by someone who had the authority to tell you what to do.
  If you're like anyone else, there are countless examples of times when you resented having to take orders from someone you didn't respect.
  You may also remember a time when someone of no authority gave you a command that you obeyed without question, and didn't feel any resentment whatsoever.
  That's the difference between authority and power.
  Authority is superficial, and derived from your position in an organization chart.
  But authority does not give you power.
  The good news is, you already have all the power you need, regardless of your authority.
A self-serving leader likes hearing the sound of his or her voice telling somebody what to do.
  A weak leader takes pleasure from watching his or her orders being carried out.
  However, this sort of instant gratification is generally not rewarded in the long run.
  If you're giving orders that don't serve the people who carry them out, they'll soon start looking for ways to undermine your efforts.
  This may take the form of "over-compliance," or carrying out orders to the letter in such a way that causes their original intent to backfire.
  In a business setting, managers who give orders just to give orders soon find that their subordinates comply only enough to cover their butts.
  These are the types of managers who listen poorly, and who are primarily focused on making themselves look good.
  This type of management rarely impels anyone to go the extra mile.
  When it does, it's usually because employees are trying to advance their own selfish career interests.
Strong leaders understand that they are there to serve the people they're leading.
  They understand that their job is to give direction, not to give orders.
  A strong leader looks at the situation and sees what needs to be done.
  When strong leaders give instructions, they do so from a motive to make things happen.
  This type of leader is a keen observer and a good listener.
  This type of leader understands that full cooperation from an entire team cannot be coerced or threatened into existence.
  Strong leaders trust their teams, and their teams trust them.
  Strong leaders often fill a "coach" role; it's understood by their team that the leader is there to support the entire effort.
  Their word has power.
It's interesting to note that the qualities of a strong leader are present inside each one of us right now.
  If you find yourself being bossed around at work, consider that you're not tapping into your potential.
  Strong leaders don't get bossed around, regardless of their position.
   If you make serving your team paramount, people will start to see that.
  If you make a habit of paying keen attention to what needs to be done, you'll notice opportunities to develop your leadership.
  You can start by jumping in and doing what needs to be done yourself, without stopping to make sure you'll get the credit for it.
  If you make this your discipline, it will become apparent over time that you put forth an extra effort.
  You'll then be in a position to make requests of others when you aren't the person to do the task.
  If you're truly being of service, the other members of the team will be happy to help you out.
  You may even find your boss asking you what they should do!