Rethinking Success: Why Empathy Beats the Alpha Attitude

Dionysis Svoronos
PM101
Published in
8 min readMay 22, 2024

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Balancing Assertiveness and Warmth for a New Path to Corporate Success

Photo by fauxels

Imagine yourself in a corporate meeting, where the alpha leader strides in with confidence and commands the room. At first glance, you might admire their decisiveness, their ability to take charge and make things happen. However, after the interaction, you’re left feeling uneasy, as if something intangible but significant was missing.

Despite their surface-level success, there’s a lack of genuine connection and understanding, leaving you questioning whether this traditional “alpha” approach truly embodies effective leadership.

Let’s explore the seeming paradox where alpha traits have historically driven corporate success but are increasingly at odds with modern work environments and personal goals. We’ll delve into the allure of the alpha, the emerging contradictions, the narcissistic pitfalls, and the new wave of “warm” leadership that values empathy and emotional intelligence.

The Allure of the Alpha: Historical Context and Success

The archetype of the alpha leader has long been celebrated in corporate culture. Characterized by dominance, confidence, and decisiveness, these individuals often embody the qualities traditionally associated…

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Dionysis Svoronos
PM101

Leadership TopWriter | Agile & Value Stream Expert | Digital Transformation Project Manager