Getting Results Without Authority

Its happened to all of us at one time or another. We're given an assignment without the authority to get it done. The consequence: frustration. No, FRUSTRATION! What can you do? While it may be true that some of those whose support you need may under-value your contribution or see you as unimportant in the pecking order of the organization, you shouldn't forget:

• You have access to people across many departments in the organization and consequently access to information that many others lack.
• You often deal directly and indirectly with people who have more authority than you do -- even your boss.
• You have more expertise than the others; otherwise, you wouldn't have been given the task.
• You may not have the final say, BUT you often have influence over the person who has the final say, if not input into the final choice.
• Finally, different people see you differently; you can influence how people perceive you and your tasks.

What does this mean in specific actions to get others' support for that project or other task you need to complete?

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