“A boss has the title, the leader has the people.”
Simon Sinek
The first time I realized this, was when I still worked in an individual contributor role and realized how much momentum can be generated if you get the support from others.
During a training that I attended last week we talked about authorizers… meaning factors and behaviors that shape the ability to rally support around one’s will (autocritas).
There are two kinds of authorizers: formal and informal.
Formal could be: being a boss/manager, part of a board.
Informal authorizers are people, teams, followers, the public.
The difference is that informal authorization depends on your ability to deliver services around direction, knowledge, experience, protection, order, conflict management, norms setting, and trust.
I believe leading through informal authorizers is the way to success in the long run. You will get more done if other people believe you are the right person to trust.