Beyond buzzword bingo. Words we use in business.

Beyond buzzword bingo. Words we use in business.

𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 and 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲.

Influence is the ability to affect someone's behaviour without using formal power.
e.g. A team member, with expertise, persuades others to adopt a new workflow. They aren't the manager.

Authority, on the other hand, refers to the formal right to make decisions and enforce rules.
e.g. A department head who can approve budgets and assign tasks based on their official role.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭?

Influence works through persuasion, while authority works through position. Influence leads people to commit, while authority compels them to complete tasks.

𝐒𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭?

Focusing only on authority can yield compliance without commitment. Relying only on influence might lead to delays in decision-making.

You need both to be truly effective.

𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭?

Exercise your authority with care, while cultivating influence through trust and expertise.

Balancing both will lead to stronger, more engaged teams. It's not enough to have power; you need people to follow you out of their own choice.

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