Influence Over Authority

The most effective technical leaders I've worked with rarely used authority to get things done.

Authority is a blunt instrument. It forces compliance but breeds resentment and stifles creativity. Influence, on the other hand, builds consensus and enthusiasm.

To build influence, you need to first build trust. You do this by listening, by delivering on your promises, and by making the people around you better.

When you have influence, people follow your technical direction because they believe it's right, not because they have to.