Chris Fussell was a Navy Seal and part of the Special
Operations Task Force led by General Stanley McChrystal during American
military engagement in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Fussell recalled a time when
General McChrystal stated to him: “Remember,
your position has little formal authority but massive reach.”
Leaders need to be reminded of this. While it is true many of you have
positional authority in the organization you lead, you have a greater expanse
of influence that ought to never be underestimated.
This is especially true when you lead in the context of
a, primarily, volunteer organization (think church). You may have a title, but
a title seldom results in authority. Authority is best cultivated in a culture
of relational connection, genuine caring, and authentic interaction.
Understanding your influence has massive reach should cause you to consider the
following:
Tone of your emails
Courtesy you extend to your team
Respect you show the mission
Informal comments you make
Conversations you have
The appreciation you show
You are, ultimately, a culture carrier.
How you carry this will determine buy in, mission fulfillment, cross boundary
connections, and relational strength. Quit worrying about position; instead
focus on the reach you have, or can have.
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