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Is Project Manager Authority - Earned or Given?

A Project Manager requires enough authority to control the project but is this 
authority EARNED or GIVEN? I believe a bit of both is the answer but the ability to earn it is ultimately more important. 
Project Manager Authority

Firstly, what authority is required?

The Project Manager (PM) can't control the project without some authority. This authority may be to form the team but if the team is a given at least it should be to direct and control the allocation of tasks within the team. 

The other authority which I always will argue for is control of the allocated Project budget. I remember my old boss at AXA many moons ago saying "this is your money to spend as you see fit - as long as you deliver the project within the Time, Cost and Quality targets!!". I typically have never seen such total freedom since but within some bounds, budget control is important.

Sometimes while you don't have direct authority as per the cartoon but you should have strong influence and if you don't, the team don't need to know this ;-)

Authority you are GIVEN

Examples of Authority you are GIVEN are:
  • your job description
  • control over project funds
  • status within the organisation
  • control over information flow to the team

Authority you EARN

Example of Authority you EARN are:
  • skills you demonstrate whether these be technical or management
  • track record (e.g. as demonstrated on LinkedIn)
  • ability to negotiate
  • ability to resolve conflict
  • doing what you say you are going to do
  • building alliances
  • building a good rapport with your Stakeholder community for the Project

Conclusion

You need sufficient authority to effectively manage and control the Project. Some of the this authority you can be given but much of it you need to earn especially if you come as an external consultant.

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