Authority in business

The Oxford Languages dictionary describes authority as: the power or right to command or govern subordinate persons.

Authority is a controversial figure. We accept and abide by what the person who has been granted authority tells us or orders us, because it is assumed that they are qualified to hold that position, and it is also supported by the system and the society in which we live.

In business and in the business environment it is no different. Authority in business allows order to prevail, speeds up response times, allows goals and objectives to be achieved efficiently and effectively, and enforces compliance with rules. Exercising it properly translates into greater productivity and performance of your employees and therefore in the advancement of the business. Although the power of authority generally lies in the position or function and not in the individual, success or failure comes down to the person who holds it.

Find your definition of authority

We are used to dealing with authority from birth in all areas of our lives. Our relationship with authority is largely influenced by our experiences and our past experiences. And not all of them are good. An overly demanding parent, a terrible teacher, or an incapable and overbearing boss, among others.

As with power, entrepreneurs who create new businesses or company managers must find their own definition of authority and, if necessary, reconcile themselves with that concept and start thinking: What kind of authority do I want to be? How do I want to be perceived in my life and in my business? How do I want to relate to my clients?

Perhaps what you consider as normal thanks to your upbringing and education is not productive in the current context. It is a good idea to review this aspect. What do you like or dislike about the authorities in your life and what behaviors are you interested in replicating or eliminating. Analyze how your approach is working for you. Ask the people around you directly how they see you and how they feel about you. Do they perceive you as a boss? What kind of boss? Do they see you as a leader?

Sometimes we find ourselves repeating behaviors and phrases of people who at the time we did not consider a good model of authority. I sound like... I am doing the same as....

This is a good time to reflect and try to adjust course. That is why it is important to define your ideal concept of the authority you want to be, or the one you would like to obey.

This exercise will help you to improve your connection with your customers, your peers and your employees if you have them. Even if you do not manage a team yet and you are an independent consultant.

Only you can decide what kind of authority you will be and how you want to be perceived by colleagues, subordinates and clients.

Importance of perceiving yourself as an authority.

There are entrepreneurs who do not like the responsibility that comes with being an authority figure and suffer with the idea of hiring a team even when it is essential for their business to grow. Perhaps they have been in the subordinate role for most of their career and are not used to commanding or delegating, or they do not have good experience with the superior-subordinate dynamic. They don't feel up to the challenge. But it's their turn.

Even if they work as an independent consultant or advisor. Whether it's with clients, with groups, or outsourced by other firms, they are still the owner of their business and the authority in their area, and as such should behave.

There will always be someone who will question our authority and it is essential to know how we will react to this stimulus.

Obviously it is not about being overbearing or authoritarian. It is about radiating confidence and security in your abilities and skills. It's about being responsible with your actions and really embodying the kind of authority or leader you want to be. When you achieve this people automatically notice and you become a positive influence on them that they want to relate to, not just subordinate to because they have no choice.

Overcoming self-imposed barriers is no easy task. A slow start with subtle changes as you go along may be best. A good coaching process can help these entrepreneurs get there faster, which is one of the reasons why it is a highly demanded service in companies to improve the performance of leaders and executives in senior positions.

The performance of authority is also something that coaches themselves should analyze and self-assess themselves from time to time as clients count on them to guide them with respect and empathy towards a common goal.

Types of authority

There are several types of authority, among the most relevant in business we can find:

• Formal: It is the authority that comes with the position or function performed. It is operational and practical because it ensures the fulfillment of tasks. People may feel obliged to follow it.

• Personal: People who have this authority are usually leaders, they have qualities that inspire respect and admiration and that makes the rest follow their indications.

• Technical: It is given by the knowledge that the person has in a certain area and his ability to transmit it. People trust what he/she says and let themselves be guided.

In online marketing it is recommended that entrepreneurs and businesses work to become an authority in their area. An authority who inspires trust and sympathy, who is an opinion leader and who demonstrates a deep knowledge of the subject he or she addresses. This raises the prestige of the person or business. Through publications with specialized quality content for a well-defined market, credibility is achieved and the business is positioned both in people's minds and in online search engines. It is a very effective strategy to gain visibility and customers.

Tips for playing an authority role

Among the benefits of authority in a business is that tasks are fulfilled without interruptions or unnecessary confrontations between the parties, which greatly streamlines management. Some tips that can help you play this role are:

• Give a space and create the conditions for people to get the best out of them.

• Do not be too hard on yourself.

• Adapt the management style to each employee.

• Avoid behaviors that make your subordinates and colleagues uncomfortable or irritated.

• Align your values with your management style.

• Practice active listening and communicate clearly.

• Constant training to develop the competencies required by your role.