Solving Problems, Not Self-Promotion: Callum Laing on Earning Authority

In a recent LinkedIn post, Callum Laing explores a nuanced perspective on how true authority is built, arguing that it stems from problem-solving rather than self-promotion. Laing, who has interviewed over 2,500 leaders in his career, shares insights gleaned from these interactions to illustrate his point.

The Problem-Solving Foundation of Authority

Laing challenges the conventional wisdom that authority is achieved through overt self-promotion. Instead, he posits that genuine authority is a byproduct of effectively addressing the challenges faced by others. He highlights several individuals whose careers exemplify this principle.

One such example is Barbara Hales, who initially focused on clinical excellence, believing her work would inherently gain recognition. Laing quotes her experience:

“Even the best work goes unnoticed without visibility.”

However, Hales’s evolution, as described by Laing, was not about mere self-promotion but about teaching ethical marketing to help physicians gain visibility in a way that genuinely connects with patients.

This approach, Laing suggests, embodies a strategy where service is paramount, and authority is the natural outcome. He emphasizes that Hales helps physicians to:

“go from invisible to indispensable”

by equipping them with marketing skills that are both ethical and effective.

Service as a Strategic Driver

Callum Laing further illustrates his thesis by referencing Trina Kennedy, a social worker with over three decades of experience. Kennedy’s work is rooted in the belief that inherent greatness exists within individuals, and healing helps to uncover this potential. Laing notes that Kennedy’s authority has been built by consistently empowering others to overcome obstacles.

This aligns with Laing’s broader observation about the CARES framework, which he mentions includes Connections, Authority, Reach, Equity, and Service. He points out that Kennedy’s success demonstrates how connections and authority are not isolated pursuits but are intrinsically linked to the depth of service provided to a community. As Laing puts it:

“The deeper you serve your community, the stronger both become simultaneously.”

Laing also spotlights Rynette Joyce Tan, who provides personalized support to new parents. Her business, 13Thirteen, thrives by offering practical assistance that accompanies families through the critical stages of early parenthood. Tan’s philosophy, as shared by Laing, is that:

“What new parents really need isn’t just the right products but also personalised, practical support.”

She embodies this by walking “alongside families from womb to world.”

The Unifying Pattern

The core pattern that Callum Laing identifies across these diverse examples is consistent: none of these leaders initially focused on positioning themselves as experts. Their primary drive was to genuinely solve problems. According to Laing, authority emerged organically as a result of their effective problem-solving efforts.

Laing concludes his post by posing a reflective question to his audience: “What problem could you solve so well that people can’t help but see you as the authority?” He invites readers to connect with him for resources aimed at career advancement, further underscoring his focus on practical growth and development.