In a world where social cues often dictate how we perceive others, it’s surprising how frequently we overlook less flashy, but deeply valuable traits that indicate true status. I’ve encountered countless individuals across different social and economic backgrounds, and one thing is clear: high-status people are rarely the loudest in the room. Instead, they exude subtleties that make them stand out without effort.
When I think back to my encounters with truly influential individuals, it wasn’t their designer suit or fancy gadgets that left an impression. It was their demeanor, their way of connecting with others, and their ability to remain grounded. Let me guide you through the often-overlooked signs of genuine high status, even in those who seem modest or lower-middle-class on the surface.
1. They’re at ease with silence
High-status individuals don’t rush to fill every quiet moment. Silence feels neither awkward nor threatening to them. They know that pauses in conversations can often be more impactful than words, a trait that projects confidence.
2. They admit when they don’t know something
There’s no pretense in their interactions. Instead of trying to appear informed about every topic, they confidently say, “I don’t know.” This authenticity often earns respect because it’s rare to meet someone as self-assured as they are honest.
3. They treat everyone with equal respect
Social hierarchies mean little to them in personal interactions. Whether they’re speaking with the CEO of a multinational company or the barista making their latte, they show the same level of respect. This consistency reveals their strong character and secure sense of self.
4. Their schedules aren’t overloaded
They’re deliberate about how they spend their time. Unlike those who equate busyness with importance, high-status individuals prioritize quality over quantity, taking on fewer tasks but with greater focus and intention.
5. They listen more than they speak
When you’re in a conversation with them, they ask engaging questions and listen attentively to your answers. This habit of listening signals not only respect but also emotional intelligence. Studies show that leaders who actively listen foster more trust and loyalty.
6. They’re comfortable admitting errors
Mistakes are inevitable, but many are terrified of owning up to them. High-status people, in contrast, don’t shy away from admitting when they’re wrong. They recognize errors as an opportunity for growth, not a threat to their reputation.
7. They avoid showing off their achievements
From my experience, those with authentic confidence don’t feel the need to broadcast their successes. They keep accomplishments understated and focus on meaningful conversations instead. This quiet self-assurance makes them approachable yet deeply respected.
8. They handle criticism with grace
Nobody enjoys being criticized, but how you handle it reveals much about your character. High-status individuals consider feedback thoughtfully, understanding its value for self-improvement, even when it’s delivered poorly.
9. They give credit freely
When I worked with such individuals, one thing stood out, they always focused on uplifting the entire team. They’d share recognition openly, knowing it builds stronger bonds and attracts trust. This contrasts sharply with insecure individuals who hoard praise.
10. They laugh at themselves
This might seem trivial, but humor at one’s own expense is a sign of maturity. Being able to acknowledge personal quirks and missteps with humor demonstrates resilience and humility, both of which are hallmarks of enduring respect.
How to Build These Traits
If these qualities seem aspirational, don’t worry, they aren’t something you’re born with but rather behaviors you can cultivate. Observe how you react during tense conversations or quiet moments. Are you rushing to speak or imposing your achievements instead of emphasizing connection and mutual respect? Adjust accordingly.
Start small by consciously listening more during conversations or making intentional time for reflection instead of filling every moment with activity. Practice humility by acknowledging when others contribute to your achievements, rather than claiming credit alone. These habits compound into a natural, effortless projection of status.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
-
Equating possessions with status
Flaunting material wealth has historically been misused as a shortcut to influence. But as I’ve seen firsthand, true status comes from how you manage relationships and challenges. -
Overtalking or interrupting in conversations
Many assume constant talking makes them appear dominant, but the opposite is true, you may come across as insecure or self-absorbed. Allow silence to settle, and others will lean in. -
Refusing to acknowledge mistakes
Trying to appear infallible undermines your credibility. You’ll gain more respect by addressing missteps responsibly.
Final Thoughts
True status has little to do with wealth, titles, or appearances. It’s about authenticity, respect for others, and emotional intelligence. In business, this means connecting deeply with your team, clients, or peers rather than only focusing on outward markers of success.
Learn more about how subtle behaviors can shape perceptions in leadership through articles by Christian Kelly and other experts in psychology and business. Cultivating these traits takes time but offers unparalleled results. And the best part? No expensive suit required.
FAQ
1. What does it mean to be comfortable with silence?
Being at ease with silence suggests confidence and security. High-status individuals recognize the value in pauses during conversations, letting their demeanor speak louder than excessive chatter. Read more about silence and confidence
2. Why is admitting “I don’t know” seen as a sign of high status?
Admitting you don’t know something signals honesty and self-assurance. High-status individuals are comfortable in their knowledge limits and avoid pretense. Learn more about humility in conversations
3. How do high-status people treat service workers?
High-status individuals treat people at all social levels, including service workers, with respect and recognition of shared humanity. Such behavior reflects their secure sense of self, detached from social hierarchies. Understand the impact of respect across social classes
4. Why do high-status individuals avoid overloaded schedules?
Avoiding busyness demonstrates control over one’s time and priorities. High-status people focus on intentional and meaningful activities, rather than appearing overwhelmed. Explore insights into time management and true status
5. What makes listening more than speaking a sign of status?
Genuine listening fosters connection and trust, qualities often seen in influential leaders. By engaging with others attentively, high-status individuals build strong relationships. Discover the importance of active listening
6. Why is being comfortable admitting errors important for status?
People of true status embrace mistakes and use them as opportunities to learn. This ability to admit errors conveys integrity and strength. Read about growth through mistakes
7. How do high-status individuals approach achievements subtly?
They don’t feel the need to broadcast their successes. Instead, understated confidence and meaningful conversations define their demeanor. Learn how quiet self-assurance attracts respect
8. How do high-status individuals handle criticism with grace?
By thoughtfully considering feedback, they reflect maturity and openness to improvement, even if the criticism wasn’t constructive. Understand the role of grace in feedback
9. Why do high-status people give credit freely?
Sharing recognition demonstrates confidence and fosters trust. High-status individuals value team contributions over personal accolades. Explore the benefits of uplifting others
10. What does the ability to laugh at oneself say about a person?
Humor about personal quirks and mistakes highlights positivity and security. This attribute often earns admiration and reflects resilience. Learn about humility and humor
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.