This document discusses how product managers can develop earned authority even when they lack formal authority over resources and personnel. It recommends that product managers become students of their field through ongoing learning, build expertise in their market by spending time with customers and partners, develop great relationships internally by understanding other roles and keeping commitments, understand the dynamics and priorities of the business, and identify real points of internal and market influence where recommendations will be valued. Developing these skills and knowledge enables product managers to lead through influence and good decision making rather than formal authority alone.