Excellence in motherhood has again hit the newsstands! Have you heard of “Alpha Moms,” the new breed of multitasking trendsetters who are kid-centric, and who feel most relaxed while juggling lots of balls? Did you know that leading companies, such as Procter and Gamble, and big marketers alike are wagging their tails and drooling over them? Stay down now! “Alpha Moms” is the newest moniker created by Constance Van Flandern.
ALPHA MOMS–INSTIGATORS OF CHANGE?
Alpha Moms are instigators of change. But did you know that most Alpha Moms are also Instigator-type (I-type) communicators? Consider these comparisons:
1. MULTITASKING EXPERTS. An Alpha Mom is happiest multitasking. Instigator communicators like to save precious time to accomplish more, like talking on the phone while working on the computer.
Downside: Alpha Mom I-types are less comfortable asking for help when they run into a problem that can’t easily be solved.
2. PROGRESS-CENTRIC. An Alpha Mom is kid-centric and hands-on, whether or not she works outside the home. Instigator communicators are progress-centered, love to solve problems, and embrace change as a way of life.
Downside: Alpha Mom I-types can become very impatient and frustrated, when their plans don’t materialize fast enough.
3. TECH-SAVVY HAPPY. An Alpha Mom enjoys finding out how new techno-gadgets work, because she is power-centered and loves to command the center of attention. Instigator communicators are perceived as strong personality types by family and associates.
Downside: Alpha Mom I-types don’t do well with boredom and can be neglectful of their romantic partners’ needs.
4. ENJOYS DEBATING AND WINNING. An Alpha Mom talks confidently and easily wins debates, taking pride in being the first to achieve a goal. Instigator communicators are world class debaters and exceptionally strong-willed souls. They live by the rule: “If you aren’t going to lead, then get out of my way!”
Downside: Alpha Mom I-types are criticized for being too stubborn and covering up their insecurities, and going after points at the expense of a relationship to prove their self-worth.
5. INFLUENCERS. An Alpha Mom is an initiator and creator of social opinion, of what’s popular or ditzy. Instigator communicators believe in making listeners quickly come around to their viewpoint.
Downside: Alpha Mom I-types are criticized for listening with only a half-ear, and not including the opinions of the “quiet, meek and shy” around the Communicator Table.
6. CONFIDENT DECIDERS. An Alpha Mom makes up her mind, and thrives on sharing her view of what way is the right way to go. Instigator communicators believe there is a right way and a wrong way to drive down the two-way communication highway.
Downside: Alpha Mom I-types can be negatively perceived as one-way communicators who are control freaks, too pushy, self-centered, intriguing, complex women who loudly talk over others.
DO YOU PREFER TO BE AN INSTIGATOR OF CHANGE?
Bruce Horovitz’s USA Today article “Alpha Moms leap to top of trendsetters: Multitasking, tech-savvy women are expected to be next to watch.” (03/27/07) provides a concise thumbnail sketch of Alpha Moms. A fun quote by “Alpha Mom” moniker creater Van Flandern: “I’m at my Alpha-Mommy-est when I have the most balls in the air: It’s multitasking to the nth degree. It’s like training for the Olympics. Most of all, it’s fun.”
Likewise, you can read my list of the top 40 top traits of the Instigator communicator on page 97 of my book “Talk to Me.”
ARE YOU AN I-TYPE COMMUNICATOR WHO IS POWER-CENTERED, LIKES TO INFLUENCE; PREFERS TO BE AN INSTIGATOR OF CHANGE?
How to know if you are an Alpha Mom Instigator-type communicator? Well, generally speaking, you boldly push forward a parenting agenda, without ever taking negative feedback too personally. Still not sure? You can test your communicator type, and receive a free confidential report with no marketing strings attached, by going to “What’s Your Type?” at www.drogrady.com.
CHANGE AGENTS ARE SOCIAL LEADERS WHO IGNITE MARKETS
My communication leadership research has determined that most natural born leaders of both genders are Instigator-type communicators who love to lead and dominate in their chosen fields. Last but not least: My communication studies also find that an Alpha Mom Instigator communicator is more likely to be married to a “Beta Dad” who is an Empathizer-type communicator. Opposites do seem to attract, for better and worse.
ABOUT CORPORATE TRAINER, RELATIONSHIP COUNSELOR AND COMMUNICATIONS PSYCHOLOGIST DENNIS E. O’GRADY, PSY.D.
Dr. O’Grady’s leadership communication studies cited in his third book “Talk to Me: Communication Moves To Get Along With Anyone” indicate that an “Alpha Mom” is more likely to be married to a “Beta Dad” who is an Empathizer-type communicator. E-types are more comfortable with being behind-the-scenes workhorses, and prefer to follow strong leaders who are ethical and have a strong sense of integrity irregardless of gender. Empathizers have a strong distaste for hypocrisy, and their energy is drained by NegaTalkers. O’Grady works with companies, organizations and families who wish to be better communicators using his cutting edge communication system that makes change happen fast and last.