How would you rate your ability to influence others in your association – staff colleagues, your board and members? Influence, both internal and external, need not correlate with rank, title, or responsibilities. Often, you need to create your own authority. How? By developing skills to improve the crucial perceptions of others in three areas: leadership, which stems from supplying proper direction; relationship, which grows from confidence and respect; and creativity, which enhances credibility and gathers supporters.