Yesterday, I asked an upper level manager at one of the world’s largest organizations how he’d risen through the ranks so rapidly; he lit up and talked collaboration.
He’s succeeding because he influences people he can’t boss.
Leaders influence without position, title, or rank; they invite loyalty, passion and commitment. They don’t coerce, pressure or demand. Begin influencing when you don’t have authority by:
1. Asking.
2. Listening.
3. Learning.
4. Understanding.
5. Explaining.
6. Knowing what makes people tick.
Avoid:
1. Telling.
2. Pressuring.
3. Demanding.
Leading Without Direct-Line Authority
Believe …
Belief isn’t just for religious folks; it’s what great leaders do.
My friend said, “You have to believe. Believe in the organization as a whole and in the project, specifically. Belief fuels everyone’s passion.”
Believe in:
1. The value you’re bringing, most importantly.
2. The values, mission and vision of your company. Buy it!
3. The people you’re working with.
4. The value of your project.
How everyone wins?
“We don’t want to send product back, and our suppliers don’t want to take it back. It’s expensive. I started giving our suppliers weekly feedback rather than quarterly or semiannually. Now less of their product is rejected. In one case, we cut returns by 50 percent. That saved us over $9 million dollars in one year. Everyone wins.”
You can’t win apart from consistent feedback, period.
Value
“Show them how the project adds value.”
If you want people on your team, make life better for them.
1. Make work easier by creating simplicity and efficiency.
2. Deliver better product.
3. Increase profitability.
Humility
I saw humility in my friend, so I brought it up. Collaborators don’t need the spotlight; they give it. “When projects are successfully completed, top billing goes to others on the team.”
You rise up when you help others rise up.
How can leaders lead when they don’t have authority?
