Many of us spend much of our time working with people who possess high- ranking positional titles. These colleagues may be our bosses, our co-workers or even members of different departments. They seem to have control over how we run our jobs or at least we allow them that power. I see this pushy behavior all the time and hear the frustrations from those leaders who feel beholden to these “positional” leaders.
Just this week I spoke with a young leader who felt she was not being heard or recognized by senior people. Although she was a SME (subject matter expert), she was receiving pushback from higher-ups in a department she was helping. Here were some of her concerns:
“They just don’t take me seriously or see my needs as a priority.”
“They think just because they have the title, that they can treat me this way or dodge my requests.”
“I am doing important work and really can help them grow.”
I turned to her and said: “You need to let them know that you have the authority to roll-out the new plan. You have to lead with authority.”
Five ways to lead with authority:
1. BELIEVE YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY
The first step to lead with authority is owning the fact that we are the best person to carry out a project or plan. We need to make sure our bosses have told others that we have the authority to run the show and we are the point person. Then we need to have the confidence that we are in charge of whatever piece we are overseeing.
[Tweet “To lead with authority we must first believe we have the authority.”]
2. BUILD A RELATIONSHIP
The best way to have others see us leading with authority is to develop a connection with them. What does that mean?
- Set up a time to meet with them that works for both of you.
- Be clear in what the project is all about and your expectations from them.
- Ask them to share any concerns and validate them.
- Be respectful while leading with purpose and passion.
3. CULTIVATE TRUST
As trust is the foundation of everything we do, leading with authority involves earning trust. That means sharing the full truths about your entire project and plan and listening to challenges they may be facing. Do not make assumptions. Do not judge. Share how important it is to you, your team and your organization to make this new plan a priority. Show appreciation for all their support.
[Tweet “Leading with authority is leading with trust and transparency.”]
4. DEMONSTRATE A HIGH DEGREE OF COMPETENCE
To truly lead with authority we need to be credible and that means having strong technical and communication skills.
- Explain your role and how your particular background and skills are a perfect fit for leading this new venture.
- Demonstrate how you will guide them each step of the way and be available for deeper understanding.
- Share your passion about the change and how you will keep them informed along the way.
5. SHOW WHAT’S IN IT FOR THEM
Leading with authority is always about identifying the benefits to others for a new direction. Showing those in titled positions how they and their department will grow and flourish can be very persuasive in getting them aboard to follow you. If they fear that this is just another “flavor of the month” project, they will be reticent to give it value or any priority. It is up to you to enthusiastically promote the new plan and identify why it is so critical to your organization’s success.
How have you led without a high-ranking title? How have you led with your authority?
(Image credit: Pixabay)
Love it, Terri! It’s interesting, a lot of people assume that they have authority because others report to them, or they’re responsible for decision making. Truly, authority shines when we give ourselves the authorization to show up as a leader in our life and work.
Many years ago, I did a visualization exercise that has stuck with me for nearly a decade… at the end it was clear that when we fully show up with our confidence, competence, and creativity, anything is possible.
Will share!
Alli
Your insights are so spot on Alli- “when we fully show up with our confidence, competence, and creativity, anything is possible”! We are the only ones who can empower ourselves to take ownership and communicate to others our suggestions and perspectives. Although we can feel intimidated with the titles of others, we should not allow those “fancy words” to prevent us from leading.
Thanks Alli and I love your visualization exercise!
Terri, I so agree with all of these! Excellent post. I would add, really, really listen. One of the best ways to demonstrate competence is to meet people where they are… and that starts from true understanding.
Such a great addition about the profound need to be a strategic listener. Even if we don’t have a title or a high ranking position we can increase our influence by listening to others and responding in an authentic way. Speaking up is a big part of owning our authority and we can do that best when we carefully listen and add value to any dialogue or meeting.
Thanks Karin and so excited about your Winning Well journey!!
Great post Terri!
Every point is so important and a balancing act. We must act with authority – while demonstrating how much we care. sincerely caring about others and listening to them gives us the right to be heard.
While I’ve always believed that – living in the sandbox has reminded me that if people have come from environments filled with corrupt leaders, they have learned to not trust leaders, or policies and to think first about themselves. And it takes great patience and repeated encounters to prove sincerity and earn trust. And then what you know can be fully unleashed.
It is such a delicate balancing act in owning our authority and authentically showing we care. To grow our authority we absolutely need to earn their trust and to do that we need to lead with transparency. It must be challenging doing that in the sandbox.
Thanks Chery!