b'THE HR HANDBOOKWhen Working with Authority,Use with CareNEW LEADERSHIP ROLESgive you more respon- because you are perceived to be good at whatever sibility and to fulfill those responsibilities, you needyour new team does. As a manager of that team more tools. One of those tools is authority. Authoritythough, you will have other things to dothings should come with a label warning to use carefully. Thethat only you can do. As a result, you are going to power of authority, especially for first time peopleslowly lose your credibility as a subject matter expert. leaders is a tool that you have never used before, and itSubsequently, your professional authoritythe real must be used wisely.or perceived belief in your knowledge and expertise There are three types of authority: positional eventually starts to decline. This perception often authority, professional authority and personal author- declines faster in others minds than it does in our own ity. This newest power on this list is most likely themind. When we do start to recognize that the detailed JONATHAN SHAVERpositional authority. knowledge of the day-to-day work of our team is not is the president andPositional authority comes from being the boss.as easily remembered or understood, out of fear of owner of EnvisionSimply your position in the hierarchy and the decision- having no authority whatsoever, we tend to substitute Partners LLC.making that comes with it. Unlike professional anddeclining professional power with positional power. personal power, positional power is not always seenThis form of making up the difference of lost profes-in a positive light, especially when you are seen as thesional power with positional power is often overdone barrier to rewards and promotion. and might sound like, because I said so. Professional authority is the authority you haveIf you are a leader of a new team, or a new leader of built on the knowledge and expertise that comesan old team, your personal authority is very low in the from education or experienceand your willingnessbeginning. Because there is no relationship, you have to share it. Others look to you as the subject mattervery little personal power. Therefore, all your power lies expert. Because of your expertise and knowledge, youin the positional and professional categories. Even if are often the last word on a subject. you are leading a group of your old high school friends, Personal authority is derived from the trust andyouve never had this kind of relationship. So, they relationship that you have built with others. This powerdont really know you as their boss. They might think gives you the benefit of doubt, especially in difficultthey do, and this can be treacherous.situations. The relative importance given to theseEven though you start with low personal authority, sources of authority are not the same for everyone.you should hesitate using your positional authority as Perceptions may come from the company culture oryour source of power. Professional authority will only an individual based on their past experiences.work for awhile. Therefore, personal authority is the As a leader, you should use positional authorityonly consistent source of power you have as a leader. as little as possible. Positional authority only providesTo lead with personal authority, you need to know short term motivation to team members, and the feel- and articulate your values, align your behaviors, and ing that I do things because I have to will ultimatelyget to know your team human level. Your lasting result in negative attitudes. Be warned that othersauthority with your team rests solely in the relation-may assume you are using it even when you are not.ships you have. The first order of business as a new Because of this assumption, your words have moreleader is to build trust. Relationships start with trust-authority and, meaning than they used to. You nowing others. Trusting others integrity, their judgment, represent the organizationyour words have moreaccepting their passions and their intentions. In return, power. Your every move is being watched for newbe trustworthy. Act with integrity passion and have meaning. This source of power is most often why lead- good intentions. Ask questions. Seek first to under-ers feel a shift in the relationship with former peers. Butstand, then to be understood. Use and share your be careful to not let others think you are abusing it. knowledge and experience wisely. As a new leader, You are usually brought to a new leadership rolemanage relationships and the rest will come. SW16/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2023'