Do You Need Authority to Succeed?
This is a trick question. The answer is simple. No.
Success is as much a state of mind as it is an achievement. You absolutely can make a difference with your influence and your vision and your scintillating personality and ability to persuade.
AND it’s also possible to feel successful and still be frustrated because you can’t make things happen — things that need to happen — in order for you to make an impact and get things done.
For some challenges, you do need authority.
You do need to be able to allocate resources, cut off unproductive dialog and make decisions.
If you don’t have the authority you need, you need to ask for it.
Ask for it with specificity and a business case.
If you don’t get it, ask the person who does have the authority to take your recommendation. Make your recommendation with specificity and a business case.
When this approach succeeds, you’re likely to get more authority as a result.
Try it.
What’s your experience with authority?
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