Summary of Leading Without Authority

Leading Without Authority by Allan R. Cohen and David L. Bradford is a guide for those who find themselves in a leadership role yet lack the formal authority to implement change. It provides readers with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead from the middle, enabling them to move ahead and to maximize success. The book emphasizes a holistic view of leadership, as no one is truly without authority in their given field or on their team. It outlines the fundamentals of leading from the middle, including communicating, connecting, persuading, negotiating, and resolving conflicts. It also helps readers to leverage the power of their networks and to navigate the complexities of being a leader without direct authority. In the end, readers will learn how to effectively lead when they don’t have proper authority in order to create a positive, lasting impact in their organizations.