Influence Without Authority: Guide to Mastering Modern Leadership
In a recent episode of the "Leveraging Leadership" podcast, host Emily Sander sat down with Ed Barton, a seasoned leader whose career spans from military service to executive roles in the corporate world. Their conversation highlighted the pivotal role of a Chief of Staff (CoS) and the nuances of effective leadership.
Key Takeaways:
Military Influence on Leadership: Ed emphasized how military principles, particularly the 'Commander's Intent,' have shaped his approach to leadership, driving clarity and purpose within teams.
Influence Without Authority: A successful CoS must master the art of guiding and aligning teams without direct authority, relying on interpersonal skills and strategic insight.
Mentorship and Continuous Learning: Ed highlighted the importance of mentorship and a commitment to lifelong learning as cornerstones of effective leadership.
Real-World Applications:
Give Clear Purpose, Not Instructions:
Adopt the “Commander’s Intent” by focusing on the “why” behind decisions. Instead of micromanaging, ensure your team knows the goal—like increasing customer loyalty by 20%—and trust them to execute.
Be the Connector:
As a Chief of Staff or team leader, your role is to align departments. When launching a new product, ensure sales, marketing, and R&D are working toward the same vision, not their own agendas.
Mentor and Be Mentored:
Growth thrives on mentorship. Offer guidance to rising stars or seek advice from those ahead of you—this exchange can refine leadership across all levels.
Notable Quotes:
"No plan survives first contact with the enemy, but if everyone knows the commander's intent, they'll be rowing in the same direction."
"When my mentor opened a door for me, he said 'Pay it forward,' and I’ve tried to do that for others."
"I needed somebody who carried enough weight... with strong personalities... someone who I could trust to execute what needed to be executed and could make sure that if there was an issue, they would resolve it or bring it to me when it needed to be escalated."
Ed’s perspective on leadership highlights the importance of trust, clear communication, and empowering others. From the role of a Chief of Staff to managing team dynamics, he emphasizes that great leadership is about aligning people with the bigger picture while providing them the tools to succeed. His approach shows that success isn't just about authority—it's about building strong relationships and fostering accountability across the organization.
(0:00:06) - A leadership journey shaped by military discipline, continuous learning, and the 'Commander's Intent' principle.
(0:08:48) - Mentorship experiences, and the implementation of the Chief of Staff role in his career.
(0:17:49) - The responsibilities and importance of a Chief of Staff.
(0:21:18) - Effective communication, collaboration, and conflict management between the CEO and the Chief of Staff.
(0:25:56) - Exploration of 'influence without authority', a crucial skill for Chiefs of Staff to ensure team alignment and collaboration.
(0:37:19) - Examination of the critical role of the Chief of Staff in strategic planning and as a confidential advisor.
(0:46:30) - Discussion on essential tips for success in the Chief of Staff role.
Book/Author Recommendations:
Visit Ed's Website
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.