The Surprising Truth About Power and Status

We often believe that success in business comes from gaining power—titles, authority, and control. But there’s something much more meaningful and enduring that shapes true influence: status. Status isn’t something we can demand. It’s earned through respect, trust, and the value we bring to others.

In Adam Grant’s WorkLife podcast he beautifully explains the difference between power and status. While power can be taken or granted, status is something people choose to give you based on how much they respect and trust you. As Adam puts it,

Power can be taken, but status is other people’s judgments about how much they value you.

When we focus on building status, we’re not just chasing titles or authority. We’re focusing on how we show up, how we care for others, and how we consistently deliver value through our work. This is the kind of influence that lasts long after titles fade.

Alison Fragale, a leading expert on organizational behavior, shares that status comes from two key things: competence and care. It’s not just about being good at what you do—it’s about how you make others feel valued along the way.

Influence doesn’t come from being louder than everyone else; it comes from being trusted by those who matter,” she says.

Chyna Clayton’s Journey: The Power of Earning Status

A wonderful example of this can be found in Chyna Clayton, who started as an intern at the White House and eventually became Michelle Obama’s special assistant. Chyna didn’t climb the ladder through force or ambition for power. She quietly focused on being reliable, thoughtful, and excellent in her work. Over time, her competence and care for those around her earned her the trust and respect of her colleagues and Michelle Obama herself.

Michelle recognized Chyna’s value publicly, often introducing her as the person people could rely on. Chyna’s status didn’t come from a title; it came from the way she showed up consistently for others. Over time, this status translated into power—but not because she chased it. It came because people trusted her, admired her, and knew she would deliver.

As Adam Grant so eloquently reminds us,

When you consistently show competence and care, people notice.

That’s the secret to real influence.

Building Status in Your Own Journey

For entrepreneurs, building lasting influence isn’t about seeking control or authority—it’s about focusing on how we support others, how we show up with care, and how we consistently deliver results. Here are a few simple ways you can start building status in your own life:

1. Show Your Competence through Action Let your work speak for itself. Consistency and reliability are key—people respect those who follow through.
2. Build Genuine Relationships Take time to connect with others in a meaningful way. People are more likely to trust you when they feel seen and valued.
3. Add Value without Expecting Recognition Offer help, share insights, or lend support without needing to be acknowledged. It’s the small, thoughtful gestures that build lasting respect.
4. Lead with Integrity Hold onto your values, even in difficult times. Integrity is the foundation of trust and respect.
5. Stay Humble and Listen Be open to learning and welcome feedback. People respect leaders who show humility and are willing to grow.
6. Lift Others Up Celebrate the successes of those around you. Recognize their contributions, and help them shine. When you lift others, you naturally lift yourself.

If you’re ready to build genuine influence and grow in ways that truly matter, I’d love to support you on that path. Let’s explore how coaching can help you get there.

You can schedule a discovery call with me here: Calendly.

Wishing you all the very best always,

Female Founders Mentorship Circle

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RECOMMENDED WORKSHEET

Building Status through Competence and Care

This worksheet is designed to help you reflect on how you can strengthen your influence by focusing on competence and care.

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST

The secret to success isn’t power – it’s status

In this episode of WorkLife with Adam Grant, Adam explores why status—not power—may be the true key to long-term success. Joined by Survivor star Parvati Shallow, organizational psychologist Alison Fragale, and Chynna Clayton, former special assistant to Michelle Obama, the conversation delves into strategies for building status, fostering better workplace relationships, and advancing your career.

LISTEN HERE