Leading without Formal Authority
1hBeginner2025-08-18
Authors

Lisa Earle McLeod
Keynote Speaker, Author, Consultant

Elizabeth Lotardo
Vice President of Client Services at McLeod & More, Inc.
Course details
Leadership isn't just a skill for managers. Demonstrating leadership is important for employees at every level of an organization. There are opportunities to lead every day, whether you hold a formal leadership position or not. In this course, leadership and personal development experts Lisa Earle McLeod and Elizabeth Lotardo outline how individual contributors can exhibit leadership by influencing, inspiring, mentoring, and motivating others. They also help you overcome unique challenges such as how to communicate when you think your boss or team is headed in the wrong direction. Take this course to explore strategies for developing a leadership mindset, building a network of support, inspiring others, and navigating high-stakes situations.
Learning objectives
Describe the sources of power and influence within organizations, and learn how to leverage them without formal authority.
Develop strategies for building strong relationships with peers, colleagues, and stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
Leverage effective communication techniques to influence and persuade others, and build support for your ideas.
Navigate the complexities of organizational politics and build coalitions to achieve your goals.
Develop strategies for leading teams and projects without formal authority, and build trust and credibility with team members.
Create a personal leadership brand that reflects your values and expertise, and positions you as a leader within the organization.
Learning objectives
Describe the sources of power and influence within organizations, and learn how to leverage them without formal authority.
Develop strategies for building strong relationships with peers, colleagues, and stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
Leverage effective communication techniques to influence and persuade others, and build support for your ideas.
Navigate the complexities of organizational politics and build coalitions to achieve your goals.
Develop strategies for leading teams and projects without formal authority, and build trust and credibility with team members.
Create a personal leadership brand that reflects your values and expertise, and positions you as a leader within the organization.
Skills covered
Leadership SkillsLeadership and ManagementOne-Off
Concepts
0. Introduction
- 01 - Setting yourself up for formal leadership
1. The Foundations of Leading without Formal Authority
- 02 - Develop a leadership mindset
- 03 - Know when to step up
- 04 - Build a network of support
- 05 - Establish your leadership brand
2. Leadership Language and Behavior
- 06 - Inspire others
- 07 - Add value in meetings
- 08 - Setting expectations vs. giving orders
- 09 - When and how to voice your feedback
- 10 - Leading in times of change and uncertainty
- 11 - The top three traps that sabotage informal leadership
3. High-Stakes Situations
- 12 - Speak up when you disagree
- 13 - Address and rebound from failure
- 14 - Ask for help
- 15 - Supporting your boss
4. Growing Your Influence
- 16 - Shape a culture of collaboration
- 17 - Build trust with your team
- 18 - Move from informal leadership to formal leadership
- 19 - Be the change you seek at work
Conclusion
- 20 - Leaving your leadership legacy
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