The standard alpha-female in the workplace with her extroverted personality and achievement-oriented leadership is not the sole preference for leading ladies. The introverted and intuitive alternative is referred to as the “beta.”
Professor Alison Konrad spoke with Chatelaine about the impact of emotional intelligence, an ability that betas often possess, in top-performing employees. Konrad stressed soft skills and building relationships have come into play as the key traits for success.
“No longer is a beta worker forever relegated to the role of ‘underling with a heart of gold’,” said Konrad. “Rather than just going into a beta box and becoming a counsellor or teacher, I’d caution them against imposing limits on their leadership.”
