How do I become more authoritative at work?

[adams_aj]

You may not NEED anyone's approval, but you should always seek advice. Try to have a mentor above you. Have a "walk and talk" with people in the hallways, seeking input.


Get advice from those around and below you on the org chart.


Finally--and most importantly--document why you made the decision you did (was best for the company), and why you DIDN'T select the other options (were not optimal for the company). Make sure you have agreement from those affected by the decision that even if they don't necessarily agree with it, that they can support the new policy/decision.

[thatguydownsouth]

After finishing each sentence slam your hands on the desk and shout "Am I making myself clear?!"

Periodically strike people upside the head with a notebook

Send passive aggressive emails

Set your IM to do not disturb

Slam your keyboard on the desk and rage type

Make people feel stupid

Play golf and only talk about golf

If someone talks about football, change the topic back to golf

If you feel threatened by someone because they are smarter than you ask them how their golf swing is

If someone is smarter than you get them on your team and overwork them until their soul is crushed

I can go on all day.

[softcrunch]

Originally Posted by thatguydownsouth

After finishing each sentence slam your hands on the desk and shout "Am I making myself clear?!"

Periodically strike people upside the head with a notebook

Send passive aggressive emails

Set your IM to do not disturb

Slam your keyboard on the desk and rage type

Make people feel stupid

Play golf and only talk about golf

If someone talks about football, change the topic back to golf

If you feel threatened by someone because they are smarter than you ask them how their golf swing is

If someone is smarter than you get them on your team and overwork them until their soul is crushed

I can go on all day.

LOL. I love your "Authoritative Manual" But why golf??

[Mr_Geek]

Whenever you make a decision be prepared to defend your decision. If you can successfully and logically defend your decision then the consequences of a bad decision is not as bad as if you cannot say why you made a decision.

[vision33r]

As someone who has experience managing in IT. My advice to other managers and supervisors always is that I cannot tell them what type of boss or manager they should be but they need to learn that you won't always make the right decisions. If you had to 2nd guess all the time, then you are not worthy. It's the decisions that you don't make that will be your down fall one day.