3 Tips for Leading Without Formal Authority

In today's flat organizations, leaders need to influence and persuade not only their direct reports, but a cast of peers, contractors, and managers. Here are three tips to assume authority in any situation, whether or not you're the official leader:

1. Remember enthusiasm is contagious. Your genuine excitement about a project will motivate others to become engaged and care about it.
2. Take care of your own ego. No one wants to be responsible for making you feel important. Assume authority by demonstrating excellence in your field, not soliciting others' approval.
3. Lead quietly. When you don't have formal authority propping you up, others will be suspicious if you grab the reins too forcefully. Don't be over invested in the outcome; lead quietly, get everyone involved, and ask questions along the way

Source: Harvard Business Review