Alpha females are known for their strong presence, natural leadership, and the ability to inspire those around them. Their confidence and assertiveness can be incredibly empowering, though it might sometimes come across as intimidating to others who are less self-assured. This guide highlights key traits that define a strong female leader, helping you recognize the qualities that set them apart.
Intolerant of Disrespect
The Times of India reports that alpha women have zero tolerance for disrespect or mistreatment. Alphas have high levels of self-respect, so if they feel they’ve been insulted or wronged, they’ll confront the behavior immediately and directly. Others may find such head-on communication daunting.
Dominant Body Language
Although not consciously done, the way an alpha female holds herself and moves her body may be intimidating to others. Typically, such women use dominant and authoritative body language—they move with confidence, aren’t afraid to make eye contact, and stand tall, so they can appear to be physically commanding!
Emotionally Intelligent
Typically emotionally intelligent and aware of the feelings of others, alpha females make decisions based on previous experience rather than personal feelings and manage their emotions well. Research done by Miami University states that high emotional intelligence and self-esteem are common traits of successful women in leadership roles.
Highly Competent
Unsurprisingly, confident women tend to be confident for a reason and are exceptionally capable, competent, and knowledgeable in their areas of expertise. The Pleasant Personality writes that alphas are quick learners who spend a lot of time bettering themselves, which can be intimidating to those around them with inferior knowledge or skill.
Honest
An alpha female isn’t going to sugarcoat anything for anyone, so she’s often painfully honest and direct. While those who communicate more subtly and avoid confrontation may find it alarming, alphas are typically comfortable with being open and frank, even if that means stating a few uncomfortable facts.
Competitive
Naturally ambitious, alpha women are driven to excel by any means and are comfortable competing at a high level. Psych Central reports that this is beneficial to their personal growth and success, even if their more chilled-out peers and friends may be intimidated by such a single-minded determination to win.
High Standards
Alpha females tend to have very high expectations for themselves, and this often goes for others, too. They’re often quick to call out inferior quality or a lack of effort in the work of their friends or colleagues. This can be daunting for others, who may not feel capable of living up to such high standards.
Strong Decision Makers
Being intelligent and confident, alpha women make decisions quickly and efficiently without letting personal feelings sway them or delay the process. As a result, they’re decisive and often make the right decision. More indecisive or self-doubtful individuals may see this skill as an intimidatingly impressive ability!
Focused
Anyone who is intensely focused and determined can be somewhat overpowering. Harvard Business Review adds that alpha women are typically highly driven, focused on their goals, and not easily distracted by anything they deem unimportant or irrelevant. This intensity and focus can make others feel adrift in comparison.
Rebellious
Given their confidence, directness, and competence, alpha females will gladly call out failures and demand change when needed, often challenging the status quo. Although not rebels for the sake of rebellion, they aren’t afraid to argue with tradition and often propose updated or improved practices, which can be unsettling for long-term employees!
Persuasive
Strong women may be formidable, but so is their ability to ‘turn on the charm’ when necessary. While they’re unlikely to use dishonesty or trickery, they can use flattery when needed—particularly if it gets the job done! Others may find this level of persuasive power both alluring and intimidating.
Fearless
Though she may frequently intimidate others, an alpha female isn’t easily intimidated herself. She’s often courageous and won’t back down in confrontations if she believes she’s right, which she often is! This often makes anyone considering ‘taking her on’ or overpowering her think twice before doing so.
Disciplined
The National Library of Medicine published a study stating that academic and professional achievement comes quickly to alpha females—they follow their own rules and are extremely disciplined. Consequently, they have high self-control and an excellent work ethic, often making others feel inferior in comparison.
Aware Of Weaknesses
Despite their strong exteriors, alpha females aren’t afraid to show vulnerability if it means being honest about their own weaknesses and prompting self-improvement. Their ability to be open about their strengths and failings improves their leadership skills and can be intimidating, defying the usual expectations of a great leader.
Assertive Communication
Personality Unleashed says alpha females communicate and give orders with confidence. The casual ease with which they express their ideas and their ability to be smoothly persuasive when necessary can lead them to take charge in conversations and meetings—something other, quieter people can find terrifyingly impressive.
Natural Leadership
Alphas believe in themselves unflinchingly, so it makes sense that they’re comfortable taking charge. Forbes notes that they often take the lead in projects and group activities, showing a natural talent for organization and direction. However, such a decisive and commanding leadership style can overwhelm team members who may be more meek.
Ambitious
Often highly ambitious and focused on achieving their goals, Science of People states, “Alpha females feel their ambition is limitless; that the bounds of their success do not exist; that they could achieve anything.” Anyone with a more laid-back or grounded vision of their own abilities may see this as somewhat intimidating.
Self-Reliant
Alpha females are independent and self-sufficient and do not rely on others. While they’re capable of working in teams and often smart enough to see the value in others, they frequently prefer handling tasks and solving problems on their own, which can make others feel unnecessary or underappreciated.