Likable Badass (Respect & Influence In The Office) | Alison Fragale
Nov 18, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, Dr. Alison Fragale, a distinguished professor at Kenan-Flagler Business School and author of "Likeable Badass," shares her expertise on power dynamics in the workplace. She delves into the crucial differences between power and status, explaining how perceptions influence our professional paths. Alison offers actionable strategies for balancing assertiveness and approachability, tackling gender dynamics, and nurturing relationships for career success. Her insights promise to help you navigate self-doubt and build authentic connections in your journey.
Understanding the difference between power and status is crucial for career advancement, as power is about resource control while status is about respect.
Authenticity fosters trust in workplace relationships, emphasizing the importance of being genuine while strategically presenting oneself to others.
Building a supportive network involves identifying promoters within the organization who can amplify your contributions and advocate for your success.
Deep dives
Building Status and Power in the Workplace
Understanding the distinction between power and status is crucial for career advancement. Power revolves around the control of valuable resources, which could range from financial assets to critical information. Status, on the other hand, is derived from the respect and admiration one earns from others; hence, it exists only in the minds of those who judge us. Achieving status often requires a proactive approach, as having a strong reputation can lead to increased opportunities and ultimately pave the way for acquiring power.
The Importance of Authenticity in Networking
Authenticity plays a significant role in building relationships and influence in the workplace. While it is essential to be genuine, there is also a strategic aspect to how one presents themselves to others. People appreciate transparency about goals and challenges, which fosters trust. Telling relatable stories, even about one’s struggles or early stages of growth, can create connections and open up networking opportunities.
Influencing Perception Through Contribution
Proactively identifying and addressing the needs of coworkers can significantly boost one’s status within a team. Engaging in acts of service enhances visibility and cements respect from peers. Learning to contribute unique skills in areas that nobody else is focused on can elevate one’s standing and create memorable first impressions. Ultimately, this leads to collaborative success, fostering a supportive environment for both personal and team growth.
Self-Advocacy in Professional Growth
Navigating self-advocacy is essential for career progression, particularly regarding promotions and raises. When discussing achievements, focusing on the value provided to the organization rather than a simple self-benefit can resonate better with superiors. Framing requests to highlight team impacts can make one’s aspirations align with organizational goals. Approachability combined with assertiveness lays the groundwork for increased recognition and support from peers and superiors alike.
The Dynamics of Status and Similarity
The psychological principle of similarity plays a significant role in how individuals connect with each other. When people find common ground, whether through shared experiences or relatable interests, it strengthens bonds and fosters collaboration. By sharing aspects of personal life or ongoing projects, individuals create opportunities for understanding and mutual growth. This emphasizes the necessity of being open and engaging while building one's professional network.
Identifying and Engaging with Promoters
Finding individuals who can serve as promoters within an organization is key to advancing one's career. These promoters are typically respected colleagues who can help amplify the visibility of one's contributions. Approaching them with specific requests that simplify their tasks, such as sharing achievements or advocating for opportunities, empowers those connections. Cultivating these relationships transforms the workplace experience and fosters a supportive network for professional development.
In today's episode, we cover the art of negotiation, power dynamics, and effective leadership with Dr. Alison Fragale, a leading authority in organizational behavior. As a distinguished professor at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Alison has dedicated her career to understanding how individuals acquire and exercise power and status within organizations. She is the author of the insightful new book, "Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve," combining her rich academic background with real-world applications, Alison empowers women to assert themselves authentically and achieve their career goals.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Alison Fragale as she unveils the hidden dynamics of power and status that shape our careers and personal lives. Discover how to balance assertiveness with likability, gain respect without compromising your true self, and build authentic status—even if you're new to an organization or battling imposter syndrome. Alison offers actionable strategies to inspire others to advocate on your behalf, navigate conversations that elevate your influence, and become a more impactful leader in your career and beyond.
What to Listen For
Introduction – 00:00:00
What inspired Alison Fragale to develop an interest in organizational psychology?
Why understanding the difference between power and status is crucial for building a fulfilling career and personal life.
How do you acquire status and then leverage it to gain power?
The Catch 22 of Acquiring Power – 00:07:55
What do most people get wrong about what it takes to gain power in your professional and personal life?
Can you be true to yourself if you are trying to acquire status and power?
The Secret to Balancing Assertiveness with Likability – 00:20:48
What is the key to being respected?
How can you be assertive without making people dislike you?
What strategy can you use to build your status authentically?