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Moving Status:
When you as a leader give status you become more accessible, supportive and humble. You’re actively communicating that you’re committed to serving the interest of another. But again there are problems with remaining in one mode, and you run the risk of appearing incapable of leading. Clearly the ideal is to be flexible. People generally have a preference for being high or low status. A particular position may make you feel more comfortable or safe. Some people resist holding status for fear of appearing arrogant or a ‘tall poppy”. Some resist giving status because they don’t want to be perceived as unimportant or inferior. People who are comfortable in themselves fear neither. The have a strong sense of self and the capacity to continually change their status.
In healthy relationships, both parties hold and give status as appropriate. When you are required as a leader to determine the outcome of a situation, you must hold status. You must carry a sense of confidence in yourself and your capacity to make the right decisions. However, when a leader gets stuck in this ‘status holding’ mode they run the risk of appearing inaccessible, uncaring or arrogant. This isn’t really helpful when others require your support, empathy or encouragement. At these times, giving status rather than holding it encourages the confidence and a real sense of power in others.
STATUS & LEADERSHIP
HIGH STATUS
Pow er-hungry
Pow erful
Arrogant
Influential
Pushy
Courageous
Directive
Controlling
Unsympathetic
A st ute
POSITIVE
NEGATIVE
Inferior
Supportive
Irresp onsib le
Empathetic
Pathetic Sycophantic
Approachable
Helpful
Stupid
Obsequious
Encouraging
A Pushover
Non- threatening
LOW STATUS
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