How to Develop Influence Without Authority: Lead with Confidence and Credibility

How to develop influence without authority

Leadership starts with how you show up, not what your title says.

In accounting firms and other professional services, you don’t always need a big title to lead. Real leadership often comes from how you show up, not what’s on your business card. So how do you get people to listen, follow your lead, and take action without formal authority? The answer is to build your influence.

Here’s how to do that, one small step at a time.

Start with Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

Influence begins with emotional intelligence. Your ability to understand your own emotions and the emotions of others, will help you:

• Build strong relationships

• Handle conflict more smoothly

• Make people feel seen and heard

Leaders with high emotional intelligence are trusted more and get better cooperation from their teams.

Tip: Before a tough conversation, pause. Ask yourself: “What might they be feeling right now?” Then listen with curiosity.

Build Trust and Credibility at Work

People follow those they trust. Use the Three Cs of Credibility* to earn that trust:

• Competence – Know your stuff

• Character – Be honest and consistent

• Caring – Show you genuinely want others to succeed

Tip: Ask a coworker how you can support one of their goals, and follow through.

5 Practical Ways to Grow Your Influence Without a Title

1. Practice Quiet Power:

   You don’t need to be the loudest voice. Listen actively and speak with purpose. People will start leaning in when you talk.

2. Create Micro-Momentum:

   Solve small problems fast. Quick wins build trust and show you're someone who gets things done.

3. Tap into Shadow Networks:

   Learn who really influences decisions. It’s not always the people with titles. Build real relationships with them.

4. Grow Your Influence Capital:

   Like saving money, invest in your skills, your relationships, and your visibility. The more you invest, the more influence you’ll build.

5. Use Emotional Micro-Skills:

   Little things matter: eye contact, a thank-you, a calm tone. These simple actions build emotional trust fast.

Influence Isn’t Manipulation - It’s Trust in Action

One thing people get wrong is that influence isn’t about being sneaky or pushy. It’s about building real trust over time. When you influence with integrity, you become someone people want to follow, not because they have to, but because they believe in you. That’s the kind of leadership that sticks, especially in professional service firms where relationships matter most.

Tip: Instead of asking, “How can I get them to do this?” try, “How can I help them want to do this?”

Keep Growing Your Influence at Work

Influence is a skill, just like Excel or public speaking. It gets stronger the more you practice. Keep paying attention to how people respond to you. Notice what builds trust and what hurts it. Adjust as you go.

Tip: Ask a trusted colleague, “What’s one way I could be more effective in how I lead or communicate?” Then, listen without defending.

Bottom Line: Lead Without Authority

You don’t need formal authority to be a leader. You need emotional smarts, trust, and consistent action. Start small. Be curious. Show up for others. The influence will follow.

Source:

*Forbes Business Council. "How to Create a Lasting Culture Using the Three C's of Credibility." Forbes, 2021.