Achieving authority in the workplace

Whether we are in a leading position or we work with our colleagues, business partners, suppliers, clients etc. what we need is authority.

What does authority mean?

Authority means having power, the power to “say what we say” and “do what we do”, so that people accept and respect it. Even in those cases when they do not agree with us

Having power vs. taking power

Many people, often women, tend to struggle with the feeling of authority. They believe they are lacking authority because:

• nobody has given them this power
• they do not know how to acquire it
• they believe they do not have a status or gender that allows them to exercise authority

Now the question is: Do we receive authority by others, or are there ways we can achieve it ourselves?

Because, actually, there are people who have received the authority to manage other people, for example in a company, and yet they do not really act with authority.

This may be due to:

• lack of confidence and self-esteem
• fear of handling another person as if he/she were worth less than oneself

Authority is expected

Authority does not mean that we can do whatever we like with our subordinates. Or even colleagues, business partners, suppliers, clients.

All the people we deal with expect that we:

• know what we are doing
• explain our requirements clearly and if necessary give direction
• request that things are completed or delivered exactly as required

What would be the point for these people to deal with us otherwise?

How do we achieve authority?

It does not really matter at which level or position in a company we are. Wherever we are we have the authority to be who we are.

Here are a few ways to increase authority:

• Be aware that if you are in a certain position, it is because you can do it!
• Learn as much as possible about your core duties and processes, so you become experts
• Delegate all tasks that are not really your duty, your strength or under your competence
• If necessary, prepare your speech or phone call ahead and train it, so you sound confident
• Set clear boundaries and make sure they are respected – e.g. “Do not disturb sign” for an hour of uninterrupted work, fixed times for meetings, no phone calls on Sundays, etc.
• Find positive ways to involve your co-workers in projects that they should take care of
• Monitor people’s work and their respect for deadlines and quality
• Provide effective and constructive feedback

Any further suggestions?