Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Organizational Leadership Practice Test

Which term describes a leader's ability to motivate followers to implement change successfully?

1. Power

2. Influence

3. Charisma

4. Leadership

The correct answer is: Influence

The term that best describes a leader's ability to motivate followers to implement change successfully is influence. Influence encompasses the capacity to affect the behavior, attitudes, and actions of others, which is crucial when striving for successful organizational change. A leader with strong influence inspires and guides their team, fostering buy-in and commitment to new initiatives. This ability to sway others goes beyond merely exerting authority; it involves building trust, establishing rapport, and communicating a compelling vision that resonates with followers. While power can involve the authority to enforce actions, it does not inherently convey the motivational aspects necessary for implementation of change. Charisma, a trait often associated with personal magnetism, can play a role in influence but is not the complete definition on its own. Leadership broadly encompasses various qualities and actions, of which influence is a key component when it comes to motivating and guiding followers through change processes. Therefore, influence captures the essence of motivating followers effectively in the context of organizational change initiatives.