Influence without authority: why status matters more than power

I work extensively in organisational behaviour, and one dynamic that always seems to come up is the concept of status and power. To me, these terms often bring to mind images of control, hierarchy, corner offices, and luxury cars. However, this week I came across an insightful distinction between power and status that is crucial for leaders who aim to build high-performing teams.

It also has valuable implications on an individual level, helping you progress in your career. So, where does this insight come from? Well, I was listening to Adam Grant's podcast the other day, where he spoke with Alison Fragale about power and status. What struck me was that status is not about symbols like cars, salary, or the corner office at all. Instead, status is about how you are seen by others. Alison made an interesting distinction:

Power is about control over resources, while status is about respect and admiration.

This got me thinking about how we can use these ideas to drive meaningful change in our organisations.

In organisations, we often think that having power is what helps us change things. But actually, status can be even more important.

When people respect you, they're more likely to listen, follow, and embrace your ideas. Status comes from how you treat others, how helpful you are, and the trust you build, not just from your title. In other words:

Status follows behaviour.

So, what behaviour can help you gain status? One practical tip is to ask for advice rather than give orders. Instead of saying 'We should do this,' try 'We should do this, what's your opinion on it?' or 'What do you think?' As a leader, you can still convey your vision while inviting input. Asking for advice shows that you value others' expertise, which builds respect and fosters collaboration. This approach helps you gain status, as people feel more engaged and respected, rather than simply being told what to do.

Focus on respect to influence change.

So, if you want to influence change, maybe focus less on gaining power and more on building genuine respect. Status wins people over, and that’s where real change begins.