Status Game vs Competition
In the bustling tech hubs of San Francisco and the Bay Area, there's a mantra that echoes through the corridors of startups and the tweets of Silicon Valley influencers: avoid status games. This piece of wisdom, often attributed to Naval Ravikant, has become a guiding principle for many in the tech community. But what exactly does it mean to avoid status games? And more importantly, how does one navigate the nuanced landscape of reputation and status?
As someone who has never been particularly enamored by the allure of brands or the trappings of social status, I always believed that I was living by this principle. But a question lingered in my mind: What are status games, really? Is my desire to be seen as competent or my drive to win in competitive situations a form of chasing status?
This question stayed with me as I carved my way down the slopes of a Californian ski resort. Amidst the crisp mountain air and the rush of gliding down the snow, clarity struck. Being competent or winning isn't inherently a status game. The distinction lies deeper.
Status, as defined by the dictionary, is the relative social, professional, or other standing of someone or something. Status games, then, are the pursuit and enjoyment of a standing that is bestowed upon us by specific professional or social structures. These could be accolades like winning a "Best Entrepreneur" award, being named in Forbes' "30 Under 30," gaining membership to exclusive clubs like Soho House, or holding prestigious titles within a corporation.
In contrast, the influence that one garners from being exceptionally good at what they do is a matter of reputation, which is distinct from status. Reputation is built through the consistency of your actions; it's a reflection of who you are. While your actions might help you attain a certain status, it's your reputation that truly defines you. People may admire you for your status, but they respect you for your reputation.
Therefore, the key is to focus on building your reputation rather than chasing status. Status may come as a byproduct of a strong reputation, but it should never be the goal. And it's crucial to surround yourself with people who value reputation over status.
To further illustrate this concept, I turned to ChatGPT for assistance. Here's how it explained the difference between reputation and status:
Imagine a lawyer named Jane who is renowned in her community for her legal expertise and her consistent success in court. Jane's high reputation stems from her professional achievements and the quality of her work. On the other hand, Jane's status is determined by her position in the social hierarchy, such as being a partner in a prestigious law firm, living in an upscale neighborhood, and being a member of exclusive clubs. While Jane's reputation is about her skills and character, her status is about her rank and privilege in society. Both are important, but they are not the same thing. Reputation is about competence and trustworthiness, while status is about rank and privilege.
In conclusion, avoid status game and people who chase them. Build reputation and competence.
