The word “authority” has may different meaning depending on context. It can mean “power.” It can mean “status.” It can come from a government or from a culture or from within. The kind I got to thinking about today is the kind that’s the kind one commands yet can’t demand. I suppose some folks would call it credibilitybut I think it’s more than just that. One can be a credible idiot – that doesn’t make an authoritative voice.
A segment of a social network (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I like this from the Wikipedia page:
Authority is an essential factor in the organisation of social life and regulates social control and social change. From a social-psychological standpoint, the use of authority is a type of social influence.
The above implies that authority comes from others – I guess that makes it a gift of sorts. Then again, it’s basically knowing what you’re talking about, so maybe that’s a gift to others. Either way, I think as professionals we all strive to be authoritative about something and as businesses we like to be seen as resources that speak in that same authoritative voice.
The real trick is not to pontificate (I can hear you laughing now…) but to listen and respond with useful, actionable information. Yes, part of establishing my bona fides is part of why I blog each work day but I read thousands of more words each day than I write. I try to learn from those I’ve found to be authorities on the many fields in which I work. Great salespeople never “sell” but become the resources I mentioned. We each have friends who are the “go to” people for movie or restaurant recommendations.
Establishing your authority is a critical part of growing as a business person, both in and out of the office. What have you done today to boost yours?
Consult Keith 