93. Work the Web

Leader influence does not come from formal authority or a position in the hierarchy. However, leaders do live within the formal organizational structure. The linear, up-down organizational influence framework can create a barrier for leader influence. Leaders may not be able to gain access to needed followers up the ladder. A leader's organizational position does not provide the right to press a peer to support a position. You cannot demand that your boss do anything because your boss has authority over you!

Skillful leaders work the web of organizational connections in response to hierarchical authority limits. They move in multiple directions, like a spider's web, to influence others in different parts of the up-down ladder. ...

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