Leading With Authority?

Leadership is different than authority.

Authority is assigned. You get elected, certified, or promoted with a title, some responsibilities, and some power over others.

Leadership is assumed. Anyone can embrace their agency and responsibility for their thoughts, words, and actions and step into their power over themselves and how they engage with others.

The distinction doesn't mean leadership and authority are mutually exclusive.

We've all seen or experienced the dangers of relying solely on authority—people who selfishly take advantage of or misuse their power over others.

And incompetent leaders can do just as much damage as abusive authorities.

It's also worth noting that we all engage in relationships where we possess some degree of authority.

This might be as parents, partners, employees, or employers.

This begs the question, is it time for all of us to rethink authority?

How might you better lead with authority today?

Scott Perry, Encore Life Coach at Creative on Purpose

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