They Gave You the Responsibility. They Kept the Authority: A Practical Guide

Written By Patricia Collins

Already doing the work of the next level—or even two levels above?

If your title and compensation haven't caught up, it's time to find out what's holding you back.

Use this practical guide to identify where your responsibilities exceed your authority—and prepare to make the case for the recognition and advancement you've earned.

Your Practical Guide: Three Questions to Ask

1. What work am I already doing above my level?

Identify responsibilities you’ve taken on beyond your formal role.

  • What results have I delivered?

  • Which responsibilities would normally belong to a more senior role?

  • Has my title or compensation changed to reflect that work?

Your takeaway: Document the work and results that demonstrate your contribution at the next level.

2. Which decisions can I actually make?

Think about a recent time when progress stalled or you needed someone else’s approval.

  • What decision was required?

  • Who had the final say?

  • Was I accountable for the outcome without authority over the decision?

Your takeaway: Identify where your accountability exceeds your decision-making authority.

3. What needs to change?

Consider what would allow you to deliver effectively and be recognized for the work you’re already doing.

  • Do I need clearer decision rights?

  • Does my role need to be formally reassessed?

  • Should my title and compensation reflect my expanded responsibilities?

Your takeaway: Prepare a specific case for aligning your role, authority, and compensation with your contribution.

More Responsibility Doesn’t Automatically Mean Advancement

If you’re doing next-level work without the corresponding recognition or authority, simply taking on more may not solve the problem.

The Executive Authority Gap™ describes the structural mismatch between the responsibility you’re expected to carry and the authority you have to deliver.

Read The Executive Authority Gap for the bigger picture, or explore Influence Without Authority.

When You Need to Go Deeper

Blumaverick’s Executive Authority Audit™ examines where responsibility, decision rights, and organizational expectations are misaligned—and identifies what needs to change.

BLUMAVERICK | Private Executive Advisory

Responsibility Without Authority™

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Patricia Collins https://blumaverick.io
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