Psychology of Power Series Ep. 08 | The Psychology of Status: Why We Care Where We Stand

Why do we care so much about where we rank?

Why can a promotion make us feel powerful—and losing a position make us question who we are?

Why do athletes obsess over contracts, trophies, and starting positions?

Why can social media make us feel unsuccessful even when our own lives haven't changed?

And perhaps the deepest question:

How much of what we pursue do we actually want... and how much do we want because other people will see us having it?

In Episode 8 of The Psychology of Power, Professor P explores one of the most deeply rooted forces in human behavior:

Status.

From CEOs and professional athletes to parents, students, celebrities, and everyday people, our position in the social hierarchy can influence how we think, behave, compete, and even define ourselves.

This episode explores social comparison, status threat, prestige vs. dominance, identity, confidence, humility, the status treadmill, and the psychological effects of losing status.

You'll discover why humans naturally compare themselves to others, why status can become addictive, and why achieving more doesn't necessarily make us feel more successful.

We'll also explore one of the most important distinctions in leadership: