490: The Playbook for Winning the Status Game (With Alison Fragale, Distinguished Scholar of Organizational Behavior)
Oct 9, 2024
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Alison Fragale, a Distinguished Scholar of Organizational Behavior at UNC Chapel Hill and author of *Likeable Badass*, dives into the nuances of workplace dynamics for women. She discusses the balancing act of kindness and competence and how to navigate the status game effectively. Alison shares insights on using humor and reciprocity to enhance relationships and build assertiveness. Learn how to negotiate with difficult parties while maintaining respect, and discover strategies for leveraging behavioral science to amplify career success.
Understanding and strategically managing the nuances of status can significantly enhance one's professional perception and opportunities.
Exhibiting a balance of warmth and assertiveness is crucial for high status, impacting how individuals are perceived in both professional and social contexts.
Deep dives
The Importance of Status in Career Success
Status plays a crucial role in determining an individual's quality of life and career success. It is connected to how others perceive respect and regard for a person, influencing not only their self-esteem but also professional opportunities. The relationship between status and power is highlighted, wherein gaining power often necessitates having status; people are less likely to share resources with those they do not respect. The speaker emphasizes that understanding the nuances of status can empower individuals to reclaim control over how they are perceived in their professional lives.
Key Attributes of High Status Individuals
High status individuals are distinguished by two main attributes: being caring and capable. These traits directly affect how others perceive them in social and professional settings. The speaker describes the importance of displaying warmth and assertiveness in one’s interactions, asserting that it’s not just about talent or credentials but also about how one presents themselves. By managing the audience's perception and demonstrating both capability and care, individuals can enhance their status in various environments.
Strategies for Building Assertiveness and Status
To address low status, individuals should focus on enhancing assertiveness without losing their authentic self. Practical strategies include using humor and maintaining eye contact to create a positive perception, and being proactive in applying one's unique skills to solve others' problems. The speaker advises looking for mentorship from respected individuals with similar attributes to provide guidance on improving one's assertiveness and gaining respect. Moreover, being mindful of how one articulates achievements can capitalize on opportunities for status enhancement.
Navigating Status Games in Unfair Environments
Navigating the dynamics of status, especially in biased environments, involves recognizing that unfairness exists without feeling powerless. The speaker likens societal interactions to a game, where understanding the rules can lead to success despite inherent biases. Strategic actions, such as forming connections with influential colleagues and utilizing their advocacy, can amplify one's status. Additionally, maintaining authenticity while being strategic is essential for long-lasting respect and value from peers, thus blending genuine relationships with beneficial outcomes.
Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 490, featuring an interview with the author of Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve, Alison Fragale. In her book, Alison addresses the recurring questions from high powered and early career women alike: How do women thread the needle of kindness and competence in the workplace? How can women earn credit for their accomplishments, negotiate better, and navigate complex office politics without losing the goodwill of their peers?
Alison Fragale is the Mary Farley Ames Lee Distinguished Scholar of Organizational Behavior at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School. As a research psychologist, award-winning professor, international keynote speaker, and author, she is on a mission to help others — especially women — use behavioral science to work and live better. Her scholarship has been published in the most prestigious academic journals in her field and featured in prominent media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Financial Times, Boston Globe, and Inc. She lives in Chicago with her husband and three children, who are all named after professional athletes. For more information, visit AlisonFragale.com.