leadingtoday.org

Leadership Tip of the Month

September 2005

Copyright 2005 ã weLEAD, Inc.

The Proper use of Authority

Business authority is traditionally defined as “the power to enforce policies, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge”. But authority not only conveys power, it also conveys responsibility. A servant leader knows that the misuse of power is a sure way to alienate others and stunt an organization’s growth potential. It is often the approach a leader takes to get work done that can either lead to failure or success. Leaders with an inflated ego and exaggerated perception of self-importance are prone to demand and drive others to achieve stated goals or tasks. Servant-leaders use a different and far more effective approach! Since a servant leader looks upon their power as an opportunity for service to others, the authority they have makes them “first among equals” and not superior. Here are some valid and tested ways to properly use authority to get things done…

1. Make polite and clear requests. Ask for what you need done in a respectful way that reflects how you would like to be approached. The original “golden rule” applies here and others should be treated like we would like to be treated. Forget the modern version of the “golden rule” that states…he who has the gold makes all the rules. Do you like to be treated rudely or tersely? Do you like to be demanded to do something and given limited or unclear information? Of course not, and leaders should always treat others in a way that sets a powerful public example of respect and appreciation. Treating people with an arrogant or demeaning attitude is not acceptable and will guarantee that others will simply “go through the motions” but refuse to put their heart or best efforts into completing any task.

2. Explain the reason for the request. You may think you don’t owe an explanation to anyone, but offering one will provide greater reason for the task to be completed promptly and correctly. Often, the reason a task needs to be done also provides valuable information on how to perform it! It will also give others a guideline on the urgency of the request. For example, to ask...“Please complete this report for me. I need it for a Board meeting tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM”, conveys the correct message that the report is needed for an important meeting, and must be completed before tomorrow morning! Don’t take the approach that implies… do this because I say you should do it”. If you get to the point where you feel you need to do this, you have far more serious problems than this monthly tip can address at this time.

3. Follow up and answer any concerns or questions. Doing this will show your concern that a task is completed effectively and also give others the ability to ask some new questions that may arise. However, don’t come across like you don’t trust others or you are trying to micromanage everything they do! Also avoid trying to make them a clone of yourself. Don’t expect them to take the exact approach or use the same skills you would. They are an individual with unique skills and talents. The goal is to guide them to use their talents to achieve exceptional and positive results, not to create an exact duplicate of yourself. If you are asked a question, provide a clear and detailed answer and be sure to ask them if you answered it to their satisfaction.

4. Show sincere appreciation for a job well done! Don’t miss an opportunity to tell someone when they have effectively completed a task. Many leaders make the mistake of saying to themselves, “that is what they get paid for”. Even though that may be true, the best method for keeping people motivated and willing to take on new complex tasks is to take the time to show gratitude for quality work. It may be just a few words with a warm smile, a brief memo, a pat on the back or a small gift. Most people want to do a good job and please others with their work. They also want the fulfillment that comes from their hard work being recognized and appreciated.

For weLEAD, this is Greg Thomas reminding you that Henry Ward Beecher once said, “Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard, than anybody else expects of you”.