On Wednesday I wrote a post about running a network where I had authority but not control.

Thanks to G, who replied and asked me how you know you have authority. Great question G. Thank you.

Let's look at this the other way around first. Have you ever seen an example of someone who, in theory, has power, but nobody pays attention to them? You sometimes hear about managers of sports teams who have lost the dressing room.

By the way, I know how that feels. I've had periods of my career when all my authority and confidence drained away. Let me know if you want to hear about that!

The point of this is to understand that authority doesn't completely come from the job you hold. That is what's called positional authority.

There are lots of other types of authority including: legal, reward, informational.

But the one that is most interesting to me is called referent authority:

"This authority is earned through positive relationships, trustworthiness, and respect. It's the ability to influence others due to their charisma and ability to inspire."

Think of those qualities and notice that they are all things that anyone can work on. At their base they all require us to treat others well, to have concern, to give more than you take, to nurture and to encourage.

If you do that, and get a reputation for it, anyone can have authority and influence far beyond any position they hold.

And they'll never lose the dressing room.

Have a great day, Stephen

PS If you have a question you'd like me to write about, just hit reply and I'll do my best.