Shelley, this article could just as easily--and possibly, more reasonably--be at home at TechRepublic IT Manager.

This subject goes far beyond the realm of "builder" and could be generalized to just about anyone working in IT. Wayne's comments regarding degree of responsibility versus degree of authority is right on target. No matter how much of each you have, you very rarely have "enough" authority. Good communication, the ability to "bargain", and a supportive boss go a long way toward compensating for a shortfall in authority.