Obtaining Results without Authority: A Practical Guide

Remember the last time you got something for nothing?
Of course you don't.
Nobody gets something for nothing, at least not often. In fact, if you consider yourself one of the lucky few, you should expect to be unlucky soon. The corporate world doesn't like freeloaders. If it's influence and results you desire, and you have no authority to push your agenda, it helps to have something to bargain with.
Welcome to the world of reciprocity, or give-and-take. You already know it well. Each time you acquire a gallon of milk, you reciprocate with something of equal value: money. Unfortunately, when money isn't exchanged, reciprocity can get lost too.
And that's the problem. Favors may not require a cash payment, but that doesn't mean you don't have to pay somehow. If you want to know how to get results when you don't have authority, it's imperative that you fine-tune your sense of reciprocity.
You don't want your current team assignment to get off to a poor start. But you lack authority; you're just a team member. Can you do something to help the team? The answer is yes.
A growing number of people recognize that authority is not required for them to be able to exert influence. In fact, opportunities to take the initiative as a team member abound.
It's important to realize that employees with no delegated authority can play a variety of team roles that encourage teamwork and lead the team to success.
Playing an influential team role without the backing of some form of authority takes initiative and a strong sense of self-worth. In reality, you're taking on a leadership role, encouraging activities that lead the team to success. The possibilities are endless once you decide to act assertively. Your actions can help create an energetic team that is results-oriented.
You'll feel good about yourself and your contributions to the team when you take the initiative. In this course, you'll learn about helping the team work together even though you lack authority.
Sabrina was an administrative assistant in a television newsroom. She kept track of vacations, travel logs, staff meetings, and company functions. Few doubted the importance of her job, but how many considered her a leader?
Although Sabrina couldn't hire anyone or give someone a raise, she was considered a strong leader. She knew how to portray confidence and integrity, helped others do their jobs efficiently, knew how to get things done, and took the lead on important projects.
Sabrina obviously knows how to behave like a leader without having authority. What's the secret?
There is no secret. Sabrina just understands how to channel her tasks in a way that makes a difference to her company. And you can do it too.
You need to behave as other leaders behave, trust in your abilities, and become willing to ask for and take chances. This course can help you hone those skills and lead the way, no matter what rank you hold in the business kingdom.
Some people measure their success by how many enemies they make.
Is this an effective strategy for creating change?
Unless your name is Attila the Hun, the answer is "no." A better way to create change, especially when you're running short on dictatorial power, is to gain allies first.
In the business world, alliances create change–not brawn. Nowhere is this strategy more crucial than when you lack direct authority.
Winston Churchill wrote, "A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." When it comes to gaining allies to create change, you need to do just the opposite: You need to be willing to change your mind and your ideas if you want to change the status quo.