As you look at this poster, it might remind you of another poster entitled Effective Delegation. Effective Delegation had only one inside square in which you were graphically taught to delegate authority and not just a task. So, as we delegate, we delegate authority and we set the authority boundaries inside of which our direct reports need to work.

But here’s what we know to be true. Many times our job responsibilities extend beyond our authority boundaries. So, I have responsibilities for this. However, I don’t have authority to go and directly impact everything that has to do with successfully accomplishing my responsibilities.

There’s a gap between my authority and my responsibilities. That gap is filled with networking. Here’s where I need to get good as a leader in making connections with other people, building a network that can help me fulfil my responsibilities when those responsibilities extend outside my authority boundary.

If we go back to the Charisma poster, I encourage you to take another look at it. How do you build those connections? Also, the poster from the Introduction on The Trust Equation might be another one to revisit.  How do I quickly gain others’ trust so that my network becomes larger and larger, and I can successfully fulfill the responsibilities that are even outside of my authority boundaries?

A strong leader understands that s/he must.

Categories: Affiliation

Tags: affiliation