The Status Game: Why Women’s Success Depends on Invisible Social Currency

In every workplace, an invisible game is at play—one where status, not just power, determines who advances and who is left behind. Status is the social currency of respect and admiration that opens doors and grants influence. For women, this game often feels rigged, with systemic biases undermining their status even when their skills and accomplishments are undeniable.

Understanding the difference between status and power is vital. Power is the ability to control resources and make decisions; status is the perception others have of your value and worth. Without status, power is tenuous. Women’s lower status is reflected in pay gaps, fewer promotions, and everyday interactions where they are interrupted or ignored.

Psychological models like the interpersonal circumplex show that people evaluate others on warmth and assertiveness. Women often face a double bind: being assertive risks being labeled unlikeable, while being warm without assertiveness risks being seen as weak.

Strategies to cultivate status include mastering task cues such as confident speech, steady eye contact, and humor; telling authentic stories that highlight achievements linked to collective benefit; and maintaining consistent habits to build and sustain networks.

Mindset shifts are critical. Imposter syndrome reflects ambition and can be reframed as a companion on the path to success. Embracing a sleuth mindset—authentic and strategic—helps women manage perceptions effectively.

Building a network of other-promoters who advocate on your behalf leverages the mere exposure effect and reciprocity, expanding your influence beyond individual efforts.

Negotiating with a blend of assertiveness and warmth leads to better outcomes and preserves relationships, countering the common pitfalls women face in negotiations.

Finally, mentoring others and adopting fractional mentorship fosters community, multiplies impact, and builds a legacy of empowered leaders.

Mastering the status game is not just about individual success but about reshaping workplace cultures to be more equitable and inclusive.