Final answer:
Position power is necessary for leadership but not sufficient alone; effective leadership also requires the ability to influence. Influence allows a leader to guide others without the need for formal authority, and it is often based on traits that lead to persuasion and consensus building.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Position power is necessary but not sufficient for effective leadership' recognizes that while having a formal role or title can confer a degree of power, it is not the sole requirement for effective leadership. Leaders must also have the ability to influence others, which often comes from personal traits such as charisma, expertise, or the capacity to persuade. Unlike position power, which is often associated with a specific role within an organization or hierarchy, influence can be more diffuse and less tangible, stemming from an individual's ability to shape opinions, encourage behaviors, and build consensus without the need for formal authority.
Influence is critical in situations where formal mechanisms of enforcement are weak or absent. This is seen in communities where elders or experienced individuals hold sway through persuasive power rather than formal, enforceable authority. Power and authority can also be distinguished by their sources: power comes from the ability to enforce one's will, while authority is based on perceived legitimacy and the voluntary acceptance by others.