DiscoverThe Power of Peacefulness: Leading with Calm and ClarityLikable vs Competent: Balancing Warmth and Authority in the Workplace
Likable vs Competent: Balancing Warmth and Authority in the Workplace

Likable vs Competent: Balancing Warmth and Authority in the Workplace

Update: 2025-11-23
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Description

“Likable vs. Competent”—it’s a trap nearly every woman in leadership has faced.
Be warm and collaborative, and you’re seen as “nice but not tough enough.”
Be direct and decisive, and you’re labeled “aggressive” or “too much.”

This video breaks down the double bind women leaders experience at work and explains why competence and likability are judged differently for women. Backed by decades of research in social psychology, leadership studies, and workplace bias, you’ll learn how to navigate these expectations without shrinking, over-explaining, or sacrificing your leadership presence.

In this video, you’ll learn:
• Why the Likable vs Competent double bind exists
• How warmth and competence shape leadership perceptions
• How gender stereotypes feed assertiveness backlash
• Real-world examples of bias in performance reviews, meetings, and negotiations
• Practical scripts you can use to communicate with clarity and confidence
• How to blend warmth and strength so your leadership lands with impact
• How to build psychological safety on your team
• How to lead effectively—even in a system shaped by bias

Perfect for:
Women in leadership, aspiring leaders, physicians, executives, managers, and anyone committed to leading with clarity, calm, and confidence.

🌿 Download my free leadership workbook:
5 Steps to Communicate with Calm, Clarity, and Confidence
👉 https://PowerOfPeacefulness.com

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Leadership communication, workplace psychology, confidence-building tools, and strategies for women leaders.


likable vs competent, women in leadership, leadership double bind, women leadership challenges, workplace bias, warmth vs competence, assertiveness backlash, female leadership stereotypes, leadership communication, women at work, workplace confidence, women empowerment, leadership psychology, gender bias, professional women, calm leadership, power of peacefulness, women who lead


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Likable vs Competent: Balancing Warmth and Authority in the Workplace

Likable vs Competent: Balancing Warmth and Authority in the Workplace

Sharon T McLaughlin MD FACS