Well, Now: Being a “Likeable Badass” Could Improve Your Health
Nov 17, 2024
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Join Alison Fragale, an organizational behavior professor and author of "Likeable Badass," as she explores how women can enhance their social influence. Discover the unique challenges women face in healthcare and the intricate dynamics of gender and race. Fragale emphasizes the importance of effective communication and the power of storytelling for building supportive networks. Learn how embodying the 'likable badass' concept can lead to greater confidence and assertiveness in professional settings, ultimately transforming workplace dynamics for women.
Women face distinct barriers in gaining social influence and recognition in healthcare, affecting health outcomes for female patients.
Balancing likability and competence, along with building strong social networks, enhances women's influence and helps them advocate effectively.
Deep dives
The Unique Challenges Women Face in Health and Leadership
Women encounter distinct barriers when it comes to gaining influence and having their voices heard, particularly in health and wellness sectors. Research indicates that women's contributions and expertise are often overlooked, even in areas where they possess considerable qualifications. For example, a study found that female patients had a significantly lower chance of surviving heart attacks when treated by male doctors compared to female doctors, underscoring the importance of female representation. This highlights the necessity for women to advocate for both their own needs and those of others to improve health outcomes.
Strategic Warmth as a Path to Social Influence
One effective approach for women to enhance their influence is through a balance of strategic warmth, combining both likability and competence. Rather than choosing one trait over the other, research shows that women who successfully embody both characteristics are perceived as more influential. Building strong social networks and alliances is also crucial, as these connections can help to amplify influence and provide support. This involves not only cultivating relationships but also being proactive in seeking help and leveraging these networks when necessary.
Self-Promotion Without Backlash
Women often hesitate to self-promote due to fears of receiving backlash or being perceived as boastful. However, there are strategic ways to highlight accomplishments without triggering negative perceptions. For instance, using indirect methods such as out-of-office emails to share achievements can effectively communicate capabilities without coming across as self-serving. Additionally, fostering an environment where peers can endorse each other can create a culture of appreciation that normalizes self-promotion.
Structural Changes for Equity and Inclusion
To create more equitable environments, organizations must not only promote women into leadership roles but also ensure that they are respected and valued once in these positions. It's critical to build a culture where women are recognized for their competence and contributions, thereby reinforcing their status. This requires deliberate efforts from leadership to continuously advocate for and support these individuals publicly. Ultimately, fostering a commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential for women's sustained influence and success.
Understanding this is crucial because research shows they often face unique challenges in having their voices heard and their expertise recognized, even in highly qualified fields like medicine.
The consequences of this could be dire, both for female patients and their healthcare providers.
On this week’s episode of Well, Now, Kavita and Maya talk with psychologist Alison Fragale about the science behind effective social influence. Her new book is Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve.
Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry with editorial oversight by Alicia Montgomery.
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