Alison Fragale, a psychology professor and author of "Likeable Badass," delves into the intersection of gender and workplace success. She discusses the critical role of status over mere power for women seeking advancement. Alison offers practical advice on crafting personal narratives and the art of self-promotion. She highlights the importance of strategic volunteering and diverse mentorship in boosting credibility. Listeners are encouraged to embrace authenticity and proactive relationship-building to navigate the complexities of professional environments.
Women can overcome workplace challenges by focusing on cultivating status rather than solely pursuing power or promotions.
Adopting the 'likable badass' approach allows women to balance warmth and assertiveness, enhancing their professional respect and advancement.
Effective communication, including speech style and networking, plays a critical role in building status and fostering supportive relationships in the workplace.
Deep dives
The Importance of Status for Women
In discussing the workplace challenges women face, the podcast highlights the concept of status as a crucial factor in overcoming power imbalances. Status is defined as the respect and regard individuals receive from others, which is often linked to their ability to control resources like promotions and salaries. The speaker emphasizes that gaining respect can pave the way for women to navigate the systemic barriers that limit their advancement. Understanding how to cultivate status becomes essential for women looking to enhance their professional lives.
Becoming a Likable Badass
The podcast explores the idea of being a 'likable badass,' which suggests that individuals should balance warmth and assertiveness in their professional interactions. This approach means being seen as both caring and capable, allowing individuals to earn the respect needed to advance in their careers. It involves showing genuine concern for others while also demonstrating competence in one's work. Practical tips are shared on how to embody this concept, making it achievable for women seeking to improve their status in the workplace.
Navigating Perceptions and Bias
The podcast dives into the dynamics of perception, explaining that individuals are often judged based on warmth and assertiveness. These judgments create two dimensions that define how a person is viewed, which can significantly influence the respect they receive. The speaker emphasizes that acknowledgment of bias is crucial, as women may not start with the same level of respect as their male counterparts. Understanding these perceptions enables women to manage their status more effectively.
Strategic Communication Techniques
The podcast underscores the role of effective communication in building status, touching on aspects such as speech style and speech rate. Speaking more quickly can project intelligence and competence, thus affecting how individuals are perceived in professional settings. However, the speaker notes the importance of authenticity, encouraging individuals to remain true to their natural communication style while considering how their speech might be interpreted. This balance allows for strategic communication that reinforces their credibility and likability.
The Value of Relationships and Networking
Lastly, the podcast emphasizes the significance of building relationships and networking as a way to enhance professional status. It discusses the concept of 'other promotion,' where colleagues advocate for one another, thereby increasing their mutual respect and standing. The speaker encourages listeners to actively seek out opportunities to offer help and support to others, which not only strengthens their own status but cultivates a collaborative work environment. Overall, nurturing relationships is portrayed as a key strategy for advancing one's career.
If you’re a woman in the workplace, you know the deck is rarely stacked in your favor. For example, promotions are harder to come by. The gender wage gap is real. And power can feel elusive.
Psychology professor and researcher, Alison Fragale, has studied the power problem for decades. What she’s figured out is that the solution lies with status. But, as she argues in her book, Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve, if women shift their focus to cultivating status, they get further ahead in solving the power problem.
Alison Fragale has unlocked the key to achieving greater status in the workplace. And she shares practical tips on how to get started. It’s a book I’ll be recommending to all my friends
Episode Links
Why Status and Now Just Power Determines Workplace Success
Here’s Why Women Don’t Always Support Women
Interview with Vanessa Patrick, The Power of Saying No
The Team
Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.
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