Achieving your most audacious goals doesn’t happen by accident. Explore the Authority Journey and what it takes to influence, lead, and succeed.
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What Is Authority?
Merriam-Webster: the power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior.
Types of Authority
Positional authority – you have authority because your title, or office, has authority. An elected official has this type of authority.
Charismatic authority – you have authority because you’re seen as a leader and influencer. Hero position: Mother Teresa, Elon Musk, Gary Vee. (icons)
Transactional authority – you’ve contracted with someone to compensate them for following or supporting you. An employer has transactional authority — and you’re both free to end the relationship at any time.
Transformational authority – thought leadership, ideas as power. You use your authority to help other people achieve their goals instead of using people to help you achieve your goals.
But you don’t have to be a big wig to be an authority. You don’t have to be an icon to be known and respected and followed.
Authority Is Essentially…
- Leadership
- Influence
- The ability to shape, sway, and persuade
And you can do that through social media, your blog, writing a book, and stepping up where others fail to do so.
So thought leadership is a big part of authority.
What Does it Mean to Be a Thought Leader?
What does that look like?
It doesn’t mean you’re a household name. You may only be a big fish in a small pond.
- You generously share your ideas.
- You help other people succeed.
- You educate and inform.
By doing this, you attract a following — people who listen to you, trust you, and follow your recommendations.
Examples of Authorities in Their Field
Cynthia Barnes – Founder of NAWSP, thought leader on women in sales and issues in diversity, equity, and inclusion
Bob Bly among copywriters – Secrets of a Freelance Writer: How to Make $85,000
Mark Shaefer among marketers – {grow} blog – Content Shock
Sheryl Sandberg – women in leadership
Scott Ingram in sales – The Sales Success podcast, The Sales Success Summit
