To effectively assert your authority when facing resistance from stakeholders, begin by actively listening to their concerns and viewpoints to understand their perspective fully. This builds trust and shows that you value their input. After acknowledging their positions, confidently communicate your vision and the rationale behind your decisions, focusing on how they align with common goals or benefits for the organization. Be open to constructive dialogue but remain firm in your stance, clearly outlining the actions needed and the consequences of inaction. Finally, reinforce your authority by demonstrating your expertise and commitment to the organization's success, fostering a collaborative environment where stakeholders feel engaged.

Exercising authority with stakeholders without understanding the point of friction is a recipe for disaster. You should first seek to understand the source of concern, guide the conversation to remove the emotional aspect and make them feel heard. From that point, there is a better chance of collaboratively making trade-off calls and reaching a middle ground. Authority is not exercised, it is achieved through trust and strong relationships built over time.

Knowing the goals and drivers of your stakeholders is key. What's important to them? What's on their scorecard? How can you leverage that information to gain alignment? Asking the right questions of your stakeholders is important: what will it take for you to get on board? If push back continues, engaging influential leaders may be necessary.

Before asserting authority ensure they get positive influence from you. Start delegating to more open minded colleagues and the ones with resistance will fall in line.