About
INFLUENCE WITHOUT AUTHORITY
Bridging the Power Gap
It is evident that dynamics within an organisation has become intricate because of the network of interdependence that exists. Many of you are in roles that require you to get others to support and cooperate with you to get your job done. However, you are not given control over many of them, especially those outside your chain of command.
Furthermore, as your actions or decisions can impact others, autonomous action is not always possible. Failure to apprise them prior to taking actions or making decisions may lead them to work against you especially when they may have power over you or the situation.
There can be a sizable built-in gap between the power you need to achieve your objectives and the power that automatically comes with your role. Equally true is the gap between the power you possess and the power that others, upon whom you are dependent, have. This shortfall of power and autonomy can result in you allotting more and more time to seek others to collaborate and provide timely information so that you can make your contributions to the organisation.
Technical competencies are ineffective in the above stated situations. Such circumstances demand sophisticated leadership capabilities to bridge the inherent power gap and secure the assistance and compliance of others to achieve one’s professional objectives.
Influence without Authority will help you become more astute at understanding the dynamics of power within an organisation. It will assist you to recognise and own the power you already possess and acquire pivotal capabilities and the instinct to attain power from different sources to bridge the power gap intrinsic in your role. With enhanced power, you can become influential with those inside and outside of your chain of command, be respected, admired and relevant to others. Another outcome is that your relationships with others will become stronger.