Likeable Badass

Women face challenges in achieving parity in power and status with their male colleagues. Despite progress in education and leadership performance, biases hinder women’s careers. Companies pay women less than men, and fewer women, especially women of color, gain promotion from entry-level to managerial positions compared to men. This impedes their ability to gain power — control over resources and the authority to use them.

According to Alison Fragale, a “likeable badass” balances warmth and assertiveness. Warmth means appearing approachable, caring, and respectful, and making others feel valued. Assertiveness conveys competence, confidence, and the ability to get things done.