There's kinds of authority. "personal authority" can easily work better than "org chart" authority since it usually has respect and trust attached - which no mere org chart can grant.
Admittedly some org charts do grant "respect" - the same sort you give a rattlesnake.
There is the saying “always speak softly but carry a big stick”. It’s good to build up personal author but in the end it’s good to have the final say. Hopefully with buyin from everybody else.
Admittedly some org charts do grant "respect" - the same sort you give a rattlesnake.