Influencing without authority

It’s Blogvent, day 15, where I blog daily in December!

Leading a project without formal authority can be challenging. Having accountability on the success of a project without the authority to direct/prioritize its direction can be frustrating, but there’s some tools in your tool belt you can use to influence decisions:

• Your expertise in your role/discipline/industry
• Your relationships with colleagues
• Your understanding of your organization and its goals/values
• Your communication skills (and ability to present ideas)
• Your ability to create “win-win” situations and value
• Your ability to appear confident (without being cocky)

A lot of times, when you’re in a position like this, it’s about earning trust with enough people that you can gain authority eventually. That trust is what matters, and makes your leadership more effective in the end.