I think both,
However Influence and Authority are part of Power, the best sources of succes is communication who is the best skill to be a real Leader.
To easily succed as a project manager means to be a good leader. Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
Influence with authority gets things done. Influence without authority also gets things done - but more complex, authority has to be replaced with skill.
Authority without influence gets you nothing but grief. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Influence is the wider term and it includes the human side.
Authority is established in order to have influence, though it can go wrong as Peter says.
In Germany there is also the term natural authority, which means authority comes from the personality, is not formally (unnaturally) established. Saving Changes...
Both authoritative and influential powers are very crucial for success to every single project manager, However influential power is not available for new project managers , they can start with authoritative power by applying technical project management and slowly they can start gain influence based on the success rate. Saving Changes...
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