Why Managers Should No Longer Lead by Authority Alone

Managers used to lead by authority. They were the ones who cracked the whip, barked the orders and had complete control over their teams. Nowadays, that style of leadership is not appreciated and as a result, is far from effective. The modern leader has to adopt a different style if they want to get the best from their employees. Now's the time to ask yourself if you need to adapt.

The best leaders are often the best followers. It's worth being humble and remembering that you are one individual, while the team you manage is a collective. The best decisions are seldom reached by one person alone, so allowing your judgments to be shaped by those around you will mean you make better choices for the greater good of your employees and company.

Leadership is not about the job title, the salary or your place in the upper echelons of the hierarchy. Leadership is about you as a person. The best leaders lead by influence over authority. You need to persuade people to do things rather than order them to, because that generates the good-will you need to get things done. People who feel bullied - even if that wasn't your intention - are less likely to step up and do a good job.

You also need to show credibility and integrity over authority. That means owning up when you make a mistake, showing your core beliefs through your actions and setting a strong moral example. Winning people over to your cause is key, and that means showing these key traits rather than using the outdated iron fist.