Power, Influence, and Authority

Power is the ability to cause people to do things that, given a choice, they would rather not do.

Authority is often defined as "rightful power" but for our purposes it is the ability to lead based on achievement and example only.

A man with a gun has power but may not have authority.

Someone whose work is generally respected but who holds no position may have authority but not power.

An office holder such as a corporate CEO or government official may have both.