In this week’s episode, we explore the concept of prestige as a form of leadership influence. Unlike dominance, which compels obedience through fear, prestige attracts followership through admiration and respect. This distinction is crucial for modern leaders who wish to build lasting, trust-based influence that empowers others to excel.
Through an exploration of evolutionary biology and historical context, we examine how prestige evolved as a way to coordinate around competence, fairness, and shared knowledge. We’ll uncover how prestige fosters trust, learning, and collaboration in organizations.
Mastering the balance of prestige and dominance will enable you to create a robust leadership style that thrives in both calm and crisis situations. If you are ready to build long-term influence, this one is for you.
In this episode:
Introduction to prestige and its evolution
Group-level payoffs of prestige leadership
Limits of prestige & the dual strategy model
Final thoughts on the power of prestige
