The Winner Effect

1. Winning is shaped by circumstance, not just innate qualities

The winner effect, then, almost certainly does not work by simply maintaining super-high levels of testosterone until the next contest – winners would likely suffer damage to their heart or risk injury because of their aggressive demeanour.

Context shapes winners. The African cichlid fish dramatically transforms from a dull, submissive creature to a vibrant, dominant one simply by gaining territory. This exemplifies how winning is often a product of circumstance rather than innate qualities.

Environmental factors that can shape winners:

• Access to resources or opportunities
• Social connections and networks
• Education and skill development
• Cultural norms and expectations

The belief in fixed, inherited traits as determinants of success can be self-limiting. Research shows that individuals with a "growth mindset" - believing their abilities can be developed through effort - tend to achieve more than those with a "fixed mindset." This highlights the importance of fostering environments that encourage growth and provide opportunities for individuals to develop their potential.

2. Power fundamentally alters brain chemistry and behavior

Power makes us smarter, more ambitious, more aggressive and more focused.

Power rewires the brain. When individuals gain power, it triggers significant changes in their brain chemistry, particularly affecting levels of testosterone and dopamine. These neurochemical shifts lead to increased focus, ambition, and risk-taking behavior.

Key effects of power on the brain and behavior:

• Increased cognitive function and problem-solving abilities
• Enhanced goal-oriented focus
• Reduced empathy and ability to see others' perspectives
• Heightened confidence and risk appetite
• Potential for hubris and overconfidence

These changes can be both beneficial and detrimental. While power can enhance leadership abilities and drive achievement, it can also lead to poor decision-making if left unchecked. Understanding these neurological changes is crucial for developing strategies to harness the positive aspects of power while mitigating its potential negative effects.

3. The "winner effect" creates a self-reinforcing cycle of success

Winning changes how we feel and think by racking up testosterone and the dopamine-sensitive brain systems responsible for an action-oriented approach.

Success breeds success. The "winner effect" describes how victories, even small ones, can lead to hormonal and neurochemical changes that increase the likelihood of future wins. This creates a positive feedback loop where success begets more success.

Key aspects of the winner effect:

• Increased testosterone levels after a win
• Enhanced dopamine activity in reward centers of the brain
• Improved confidence and risk tolerance
• Physiological changes that prime the body for future challenges

This effect explains why some individuals or teams seem to go on winning streaks. However, it's important to note that this cycle can be both positive and negative. While it can drive continued success, it can also lead to overconfidence and reckless behavior if not balanced with self-awareness and realistic goal-setting.

4. Social status and control significantly impact health and longevity

Oscar winners live on average four years longer than, by all other measures, equally successful Oscar nominees.

Status affects lifespan. Research shows that social status and perceived control over one's life have profound effects on health and longevity. This phenomenon extends beyond just financial means, suggesting that recognition and a sense of achievement play crucial roles in overall well-being.

Factors influencing health and longevity through status:

• Reduced chronic stress levels
• Enhanced sense of self-worth and purpose
• Better access to resources and support networks
• Increased motivation for self-care and healthy behaviors

The "Oscar effect" demonstrates how even symbolic achievements can have tangible health benefits. This underscores the importance of creating societies and organizations that provide opportunities for recognition and achievement across all levels, not just at the top.

5. Excessive power can lead to hubris and poor decision-making

Power causes illusions of control and puts blinkers on a person.

Power corrupts judgment. When individuals gain significant power, it can lead to a distorted perception of reality and an inflated sense of control. This hubris can result in poor decision-making and ethical lapses.

Signs of power-induced hubris:

• Overestimation of one's abilities and influence
• Dismissal of contrary opinions or evidence
• Increased risk-taking behavior
• Reduced empathy and consideration for others
• Belief in one's infallibility or special status

Historical and contemporary examples abound of leaders whose excessive power led to disastrous decisions. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for implementing checks and balances in leadership structures and promoting self-awareness among those in positions of power.

6. Gender differences exist in power motivation and leadership styles

Women were significantly higher in s power than men. Women, in other words, were more motivated than men to control others for the wider benefit of the community or organisation, not just for themselves.

Gender impacts power use. Research suggests that while men and women may have similar levels of power motivation, they tend to differ in how they seek to use that power. Women are more likely to exhibit "s-power" motivation, focused on social and communal goals, while men more often display "p-power" motivation, centered on personal gain and status.

Key gender differences in power motivation:

• Women: Higher tendency towards collaborative leadership
• Men: Greater inclination towards competitive, hierarchical structures
• Women: More emphasis on long-term, sustainable outcomes
• Men: Stronger focus on short-term, visible achievements

These differences can have significant implications for leadership styles and organizational outcomes. Recognizing and leveraging these diverse approaches to power can lead to more balanced and effective leadership in various sectors.

7. True winners balance personal and social power motivations

Real winners enjoy the benefits of power – the testosterone-fuelled drive, smartness, creativity and goal-focus – and enjoy influencing other people by dispensing resources that other people need and want.

Balance personal and social goals. True winners are those who can harness the benefits of power – increased focus, creativity, and drive – while maintaining a commitment to broader social goals. This balance prevents the corruption often associated with unchecked power.

Characteristics of balanced winners:

• Strong personal drive and ambition
• Commitment to social responsibility and ethical leadership
• Ability to leverage power for collective benefit
• Continuous self-reflection and accountability
• Resilience in the face of setbacks and challenges

Developing this balance requires self-awareness and a conscious effort to align personal goals with broader social impacts. Leaders who achieve this balance are more likely to create sustainable success and positive legacies.

8. Democracy and education are key to empowering societies

Democracy, education and wealth go hand in hand, and empowerment may be a key ingredient of their interrelationship.

Empower through knowledge. Democratic societies with strong educational systems tend to be more prosperous and stable. Education not only provides practical skills but also empowers individuals with abstract concepts and critical thinking abilities, essential for participating in democratic processes.

Benefits of education in democracies:

• Enhanced civic participation and engagement
• Improved economic opportunities and innovation
• Greater social mobility and equality
• Increased resistance to manipulation and propaganda
• Better health outcomes and longer life expectancy

Investing in education and promoting democratic values creates a virtuous cycle of empowerment, leading to more stable and prosperous societies. This underscores the importance of accessible, quality education as a cornerstone of democratic and economic development.

9. Self-awareness and "power audits" are crucial for ethical leadership

Everyone who has any power should ask themselves from time to time: 'Is power going to my head?'

Monitor power's influence. Regular self-reflection and "power audits" are essential for leaders to maintain ethical behavior and effective decision-making. This practice helps counteract the potential negative effects of power on judgment and empathy.

Components of a power audit:

• Assessment of personal power motivations (p-power vs. s-power)
• Evaluation of decision-making processes and outcomes
• Feedback from peers, subordinates, and mentors
• Review of personal and professional relationships
• Analysis of communication styles and patterns

By regularly conducting these audits, leaders can maintain a healthy relationship with power, avoiding the pitfalls of hubris and ethical lapses. Organizations can also benefit from institutionalizing these practices, creating cultures of accountability and ethical leadership.

Last updated: July 20, 2024