Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills

One of the fastest ways to weaken your influence as a PMO, project, or transformation leader is also one of the most common.

It sounds responsible. It sounds like alignment. It sounds like you are reinforcing executive support.

But every time you lead with “the sponsor said,” “the boss wants,” or “executives told me to,” you may be training the organization to look past you for the real decision maker.

That is how capable leaders accidentally become messengers.

In this episode, I share how delivery leaders dilute their own authority without realizing it and what to say instead. Because sponsors matter. Executive support matters. But hiding behind borrowed authority is not leadership. It positions you as the person passing along instructions instead of the leader responsible for helping the organization deliver outcomes.

What you’ll learn:

🔹 Why “the boss said so” quietly damages your credibility and authority

🔹 The difference between borrowed authority, positional authority, and business authority

🔹 How to use sponsor influence strategically without hiding behind it

🔹 What to say when you need resources, decisions, or support from another leader

🔹 How to connect requests to business outcomes instead of hierarchy

🔹 Why executives want leaders who can drive progress when they are not in the room

Press play and learn how to stop sounding like the messenger and start communicating like the leader responsible for the outcome.

P.S. Next up in The IMPACT Application Lab is Make Your Case, where I’ll help you turn one real strategy delivery challenge into a clear, leadership-ready case for change.

If you already know something needs to change but need help showing leaders, sponsors, stakeholders, or your team why it matters now, this workshop is for you.

It’s FREE for everyone who owns The IMPACT Engine. Your book is your ticket.

📚 Get the book here.

👥 Join IMPACT Insiders here.

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights!

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

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370: How to Crush Your Authority Without Realizing It

PMO Strategies

370: How to Crush Your Authority Without Realizing It