Leading well when you have no authority

Authority is granted. Influence is earned. The second outlasts the first.

Be the person whose commitments are predictable. Consistency is the cheapest form of credibility available to anyone.

Bring solutions with tradeoffs attached. Leaders trust people who show them the cost of each path rather than advocating blindly for one.

Give credit precisely and publicly. Take responsibility precisely and privately.

Speak last in meetings when you can. The person who summarizes accurately often shapes the decision.