Shared Authority

I'm grateful for another opportunity (even if it's a day later than normal), to drop into your inbox and give you something to ponder.

Last week I introduced the idea of Authority to us, looking specifically at the differences between Positional & Relational Authority.  This week I'd like to think about another aspect of authority as it relates to group dynamics and the healthy sharing of authority.

I've had the honor of doing some learning and study into group dynamics and the ways in which relationships form within a group context. One of the consistent themes in that learning has been clear - authority is a key ingredient in every group situation. Sometimes that authority is held and used by a single individual. This is often accomplished through demand and power. But some of the healthiest and most effective groups allow for authority to be shared and even "passed around" throughout the course of their time together.

For example, you may be in a team meeting that is being led by a particular individual. This is actually helpful because someone needs to get things started and help the work to move along. However, if that individual does all the talking and is dismissive of other people's ideas or input, they are indirectly (or maybe directly!) trying to maintain the power and authority over everyone else in the meeting.  The message is clear, "I am the most important person here and my opinions matter more than anyone else's." 

In contrast, if the person who starts the meeting or is in charge of the agenda seeks input from others and asks questions and actually waits to hear answers, they are demonstrating a desire to share authority in a way that is healthy and seeks the collective wisdom in the room. Of course, you can see this requires humility and a desire to actually believe that others have value and their ideas matter - to be humble enough to pass along authority to others in a way to brings greater shared value through collaboration.

As you reflect on the various groups and teams you participate in, where do you see healthy authority being shared? If you are in charge of any of those settings, is your tendency to hold onto the authority or to share it? What would it take to encourage a greater sense of shared authority in order to unlock more potential from the collective wisdom of the group? 

Here's to leaning into Shared Authority this week!

Be Well,

Stephen

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