Building Influence Without Authority: The Mindful Surgeon

In various professional settings, we often find themselves in leadership roles without the formal authority that typically accompanies such positions. This is particularly common in fields like medicine, where a surgeon might lead a team, or in project management, where a supervisor designates you as the team leader of your peers.  

The traditional hierarchical approach, where authority is presumed based on title or position, doesn't always guarantee cooperation or success. Even in situations where you technically have authority, people may resist following your lead. This resistance can add to the stress of managing a team, clinical activities, or projects. So, how can one lead effectively without relying solely on formal authority?

In certain situations, you may find yourself thrust into a leadership position, whether due to an absent senior, a non-collaborative team member, or simply a lack of clear hierarchical authority. For instance, during on-call nights as a doctor, you might need to step in and lead the team. The key is recognizing when the need arises and being willing to take on the responsibility, even when it feels uncomfortable.

In this blog post, we'll explore practical strategies for influencing and leading effectively when traditional authority is lacking. This might be when you are first starting in a new place, leading a team or committee for a project.

1.       Develop Knowledge base:

We need to develop a knowledge base about the subject matter. The more knowledgeable you are, the more you can back your action with logic, which will be difficult to refute. It is also alright not to know everything, all the time! Demonstrate honesty about your limitations and be open to asking for help when needed, can actually make you more humble and endearing.

2.       Build Relationships and Trust:

Trust is foundational to authority, so prioritize building trusting relationships within your team. This can be demonstrated by delegation, allowing autonomy for the team members.   Show genuine interest in others, irrespective of their roles or positions.  Being decent, respectful, and courteous to everyone, and fostering positive connections goes a long way.

3.       Ben Franklin Effect:  

Do you know requesting small favours endears you to others ? This is known as Ben franklin Effect. It is psychological phenomenon in which people like someone more after doing a favour for them. When we ask a colleague to do us a favour, we are signalling that we consider them to have something we don't, whether more intelligence, more knowledge, more connection. The trick is , it has to be a small favour, not of too much consequence and labour for the other person.

"He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged." – Benjamin Franklin

4.       Symbolism and Perception:

 Incorporate common  symbols of authority, such as wearing identifiable items like a stethoscope or a specific lanyard. That is because, psychologically we associate these symbolism with leadership. So a patient, will more commonly listen to the advise of heath practitioner who is wearing a scrub and stethoscope, because they associate that with a doctor. Pay attention to your appearance, maintain cleanliness and professionalism. When you are  well dressed and well groomed it conveys the quality of self-respect which is indicative of power, authority, and confidence.

5.       Be Likable:

Likability creates a halo effect, where people associate positive traits with those they like. The more you are liked, the more people will listen to you, believe and want to help you. You do the same for people you like, don’t you?  Being trust worthy and likable, is a key feature of any good and popular leader. But just to add, be likable by being your best self. Don’t put likability above being an effective leader.

6.       Mirroring :

There is a psychological term used describe the behaviour in which one person subconsciously imitates the gesture, speech pattern, or attitude of another. It is used to promote rapport and to make them feel comfortable. Adapt your communication style to match that of your team, this helps to foster  a sense of unity. People do listen to others with whom they can identify themselves at some level.

7.       Inclusive leadership:

When leading a team, it is always better to delegate rather than order. Inclusive leaders are individuals who are aware of their own biases and actively seek out and consider different perspectives to inform their decision-making and collaborate more effectively with others. This makes it feel like a team and that everyone has stake in the its success.

Influence and leadership transcend formal authority. By focusing on building relationships, trust, and a positive perception, you can effectively lead a team even in the absence of traditional hierarchical power. Remember that true leadership is about understanding and connecting with people, fostering a collaborative and productive environment. So, whether you're a doctor, project manager, or team leader, these strategies can help you navigate the challenges of leading without relying solely on authority.