[Shamou]

The Alpha-Males/Females… Who…??? What…??? and their Effect on Society…

Who are the these people…???

What makes them so…???

How does it effect our society…???

PS. – I would appreciate it if this thread was kept on topic… thank you…

From: Harvard Business Online... see here

Description: Highly intelligent, confident, and successful, alpha males represent about 70% of all senior executives. Natural leaders, they willingly take on levels of responsibility most rational people would find overwhelming.

But many of their quintessential strengths can also make alphas difficult to work with. Their self-confidence can appear domineering. Their high expectations can make them excessively critical. Their unemotional style can keep them from inspiring their teams. That's why alphas need coaching to broaden their interpersonal tool kits while preserving their strengths.

.

[valley]

Great topic Ray! I have lots of opinions on Alpha-Females, how they got that way and why I believe that they are detrimental to society. I'll try to keep my "religious-type" opinions out and will restrain myself to just talking about it in secular terms.

Have to put Luke to bed then will get posting.

[WarC]

Yes, I think a nitpicking attention to detail and a knack for micromanagement are big characteristics of "Alpha" people. I think that is the main difference. It seems as if Alpha people are never really content, they are always looking for a way to improve or build or change whatever they take an interest in. Maybe theres even an ounce of paranoia or anxiety in there, a thought process that says they can't slow down or stop going, they must work work work!

I've never been that way, and I know I've missed out on oppertunities or haven't gone as far as I know I could...I just don't have that endless drive, or the nitpicking nature. I readily admit that I'm somewhere after Gamma.

Interesting topic, it will be neat to see everyone's perspective on this.

[moonmist]

This should be good............ *puts on mittens so she wont be able to type * Something inside me wants to call you all a bunch of turds before we start........but my better judgement prevails ...........j/k folks......

looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.

[valis]

Originally Posted by moonmist

This should be good............ *puts on mittens so she wont be able to type * Something inside me wants to call you all a bunch of turds before we start........but my better judgement prevails ...........j/k folks......

looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.

okay, that entire post made me laugh out loud.......for that matter, still am......

[iltos]

Originally Posted by WarC

I readily admit that I'm somewhere after Gamma.

LOL, WarC....

it would seem there is some sort of genetic predispostion to being an alpha male/female...i'd imagine too, that culture is in some way a filter for the qualities that are most important to alpha-ism

my first wonder is about the wisdom of a society that emphasizes and encourages the the qualities of alpha-ism....how do those qualites influence our perception of the world around us, and our place in it?....and how many alpha types can co-exist on the head of a pin?

[valis]

Originally Posted by WarC

Yes, I think a nitpicking attention to detail and a knack for micromanagement are big characteristics of "Alpha" people. .

I'd have to disagree. I'd say that most alpha type personalites are of the ESTJ on the Myers-Briggs personality types; basically, they can't NOT be in charge. Having said that, I would also say that not all ESTJ are alpha types.

[Shamou]

Originally Posted by iltos
and how many alpha types can co-exist on the head of a pin?

get off my pin...


.

[iltos]

Originally Posted by Shamou

get off my pin...


.

LOL...yeah...exactly, shamou

[Shamou]

Originally Posted by iltos

LOL...yeah...exactly, shamou

Gotta work now... see you later...


.

[moonmist]

Originally Posted by valis

okay, that entire post made me laugh out loud.......for that matter, still am......

*removes one mitten*........ which part?? the part where i said I had better judgement LOL *puts mitten back on*

[valis]

the whole 'something inside me' part had me snickering.....

[valley]

Originally Posted by Shamou

Who are the these people…???

IMO, they are men, women and children of all ages, from all cultures and in all levels of social classes.

I do not agree with Harvards definition you posted since intelligence, financial success and leadership skills often have nothing to do with it. Some Alpha-fe/males can achieve their Alpha "status" by brute force, trickery...etc..and on the flip side....love, charity etc..

Wikipedia gives the definition of Alpha-Male/Alpha-Female as this:

Originally Posted by wikipedia

In social animals, the alpha male or alpha female is the individual in the community whom the others follow and defer to. Where one male and one female fulfill this role, they are referred to as the alpha pair.

Just my opinion. Totally on topic.

I'm going to withhold my opinions of the alpha-female and start a slightly different thread of my own (concerning feminism) where my own interests are better served. To post here will inevitably lead to hijacks so I will leave you to this one. Best of luck to you. Hope you get some good conversation going!

[Gabriel]

Any idea of Alpha personage that is static....is not encompassing the true breadth (I hope that is a word) of Alpha at all.......

I disagree with the intellectual sterilization of the Alpha concept.

[iltos]

Originally Posted by Gabriel

Any idea of Alpha personage that is static....is not encompassing the true breadth (I hope that is a word) of Alpha at all.......

I disagree with the intellectual sterilization of the Alpha concept.

you're not just gonna just leave THAT out there, flappin in the wind....are ya, gabriel?