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Alpha Male Characteristics: Unveiling the 7 Genuine Traits of True Leadership

November 13, 2023 · Expert Tips
Alpha Male Characteristic
Photo by Media_Photos at Shutterstock

They face their inner demons head-on

Despite what others might believe, being an alpha male doesn’t just mean being a leader of men and physical prowess. According to experts, it also signifies facing your inner demons head-on and realizing how to deal with them healthily.

Alpha males tend to be seen as the embodiment of masculinity. But underneath all that bravado and confidence lies a vulnerable side that’s often overlooked.

This alpha male characteristic means accepting those feelings of fear and self-doubt and learning to cope with them in a healthy way. This can be done through support groups, therapy, or other types of therapy.

One effective way for alphas to work through their inner demons is by using mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and meditation.

By practicing these techniques on a regular basis, they can learn to manage their emotions a lot better, build more positive relationships with other individuals, and improve their overall well-being.

For more on alpha male characteristics, we think you’ll like this interesting reading from Amazon: Alpha Male: The Alpha Male Bible to Becoming Legendary and a People Magnet.

Do you agree with these alpha male characteristics? Let us know in the comments section below.

Meanwhile, Psychology Diary has much more to offer. We also recommend reading: Having Trouble Earning Respect From Others? These 7 Simple Behaviors Could Explain It

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27 responses to “Alpha Male Characteristics: Unveiling the 7 Genuine Traits of True Leadership”

  1. Linda Sieren says:
    November 21, 2023 at 11:00 pm

    Interesting. However, reading through this, I wonder why these traits are just attached to men. I have known and worked with many women who demonstrate these traits on a daily basis. Yet I question that they would describe themselves as Alpha Males.
    Perhaps, just perhaps, we can establish that those who are successful in following this path, both female and male, are worth respect.

    Reply
    • Sebastian says:
      November 22, 2023 at 5:17 pm

      In addressing male traits, in particular Alpha Male traits, the author appears to be focusing attention, and the intention of the article, on men. There does not have to be a unisex reference made for any and every topic pertaining to men or to women. That in itself is erroneous thinking.

      If the article was addressing the dynamics of women contesting one another for winner of a beauty pageant for example, why bring a comparison of male traits or maleness into it at all? Anyone with a reasonable and well grounded common sense would know it’s for women and women only—just leave it at that.

      And men are be okay with that. Women might do the same—-as it should be.
      Masculinity is different from femininity, and there is no valid reason to emasculate males to suit or attempt to equalize the status of men and women, for women. That is complete folly!

      There is plenty of room for honoring men as men, celebrating our unique qualities. Don’t need the approval of women to do so! However, healthy grounded men know that it is natural for them to seek the support of the women they love, in doing so.
      In fact given all the absurdity with gender multiplicity (absolutely abhorrent concept) pushed down young people’s and children’s throats these days, the society needs strong, clear men, and strong, clear women to correct this egregiously harmful, utter non- sense!
      The more important point here is that clear men and clear women know who they are, and need not create confusion and chaos for themselves, and especially not for there children or society’s children and Youth.

      Reply
      • JIM BROWN says:
        November 24, 2023 at 4:29 pm

        I agree entirely with you. Some people would disagree with a ROCK.

        Reply
      • Will says:
        November 25, 2023 at 10:56 pm

        You are focusing too much on gender. Traditionally, Alpha was used to address male attributes. Surely we are intelligent enough to understand that nowadays this can be applied to both male and female. Nothing about the society in which we leave is closed to one sex or the other.

        Reply
      • Susan K says:
        November 26, 2023 at 3:53 pm

        Exactly!! Can’t we just speak about one topic without having to include every other species in one conversation. Goodness gracious.

        Reply
      • Terri says:
        November 26, 2023 at 5:53 pm

        I agree wholeheartedly with your thoughts. It is refreshing to know that there are still men out there that are strong in the purpose and leadership. I am a strong woman but looking for my alpha partner to support, love and honor each other in all we do.

        Reply
      • Michael Michlein says:
        November 27, 2023 at 7:35 am

        Well stated.

        Reply
      • Christina Heikkinen says:
        November 27, 2023 at 10:33 am

        You should go back to school and learn basic spelling and grammar. Furthermore, this article had nothing to do with the topic upon which you spent a majority of your response pontificating.

        Reply
    • JIM BROWN says:
      November 24, 2023 at 4:28 pm

      No one said these only attach to men. The article refers to MEN not women. If you want to write an article about women then do it. I have met many women in my life that could just as easily have the same assets and probably did.

      Reply
    • Tim Prawdzik says:
      November 24, 2023 at 7:34 pm

      I have found within my experiences, People of Alpha characteristics, are not the same across the two genders. In fact, females who display the alpha trait often demonstrate emotional detachment from others, and sometimes behave in a covert manner in an attempt to get even with another female co-worker.
      While the male alpha will most likely be over confrontational with same gender co-workers.

      The best person for Management positions are Sigma types.
      Just my observations!!!

      Reply
    • reinaldomartinez says:
      November 25, 2023 at 1:49 pm

      yeah that’s true , there’s apha females on bee and ant colonies

      Reply
    • Sonia Ramirez says:
      November 25, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      Linda, there are also alpha women. Click on the following link. If it doesn’t open, copy and paste it into your browser.

      The Alpha Female: 9 Ways You Can Tell Who is an Alpha Woman
      https://www.scienceofpeople.com/alpha

      Reply
    • Keith says:
      November 26, 2023 at 3:41 pm

      Haven’t even read the article yet and came up with the same question.

      Reply
    • Ralph Wayne Miniard says:
      November 27, 2023 at 1:18 am

      I would think that the topic is “males” and more specifically “alpha males”. If the topic were females or people/humans in general, then alpha traits in females would be an appropriate part of the discussion. Just my take on the question and the non-issue.

      Reply
    • Nancy Terrell says:
      November 27, 2023 at 1:23 am

      Exactly – I know many women with these traits also. Maybe we should just say “Alphas or Alpha People”

      Reply
    • John says:
      December 28, 2023 at 7:29 pm

      It’s called alpha women, we been socializing men into the gutter for decades

      Reply
    • Bill Harney says:
      April 2, 2024 at 1:19 am

      Because the article is about Alpha Males. Your want to write one about Alpha Women have at it.

      Reply
    • Sparky says:
      March 8, 2025 at 3:31 pm

      Because the topic is about alpha men and not women. Please try and stay on topic.

      Reply
  2. Sharon L. Gregory says:
    November 23, 2023 at 3:04 pm

    Linda, I had the same exact thought! These are characteristics of great leaders and people….

    Reply
  3. Self-proclaimed Alpha Male says:
    November 24, 2023 at 6:27 pm

    For those who find distress in not affirming the Gender Female in this article. I, a older (60+) white male would certainly fall in the category discussed here. In fact routinely tells me that I am not a Type A (Alpha), but a Type Triple A. I would say this about the lack of discussion of the Alpha Female, I would say this. The Gender Male here could very well have been used to describe both the Gender Male and Female. As the article clearly portrays, the Alpha traits include a very high level of self-confidence. Should someone who is a true Alpha personality, they do not seek, desire nor need adulations from others, they have that self-confidence built inside of themselves. Simply put, the need to have other tell you just how good you are is actually a sign that that particular individual is indeed not a Type Alpha personality. Enough said.

    Self-proclaimed Alpha Male.

    Reply
  4. Steve says:
    November 25, 2023 at 6:01 pm

    Reading thru this article, I did a short reflection on my personality. I have been referred to as being an alfa personality many times over my adult life. At first I thought someone was buttering me when they referred to something I did or a solution to difficult situation. As I grew older and wiser, it came to me that there might be something to what people has said about me. As I read this article it became clear to me, why this was said about me. I definitely possess 5 of the 7 traits, the sixth a sure may be and the last not so sure. I found in my case this to be a very accurate description of my personality.

    I totally agree with Linda and Sharon, I have had interactions with quite a few female counterparts that exhibited the very same Alfa traits but were never referred to as Alpha females. I feel this is long overdue to be corrected.

    Reply
  5. Feral Tomm says:
    November 25, 2023 at 8:51 pm

    HOGWASH~ This diatribe is strictly opinion based and describes the “alpha males” role in the context of a group or crowd.

    You completely ignore the “alpha males” who are loners, rugged individuals, pioneers, or isolated researchers. Wasn’t Jesus Christ the ultimate “alpha male”?? Did he spend his days on Earth trying to fit into a crowd, or appease others? NO! He was the ultimate in a Compassionate leader and healer.

    Instead of wallowing in this opinionated drivel, why don’t you allow yourself to be influenced by that ultimate “alpha male”, YOUR PERSONIAL SAVIOR—Jesus Christ?? The power of Jesus can actually isolate you from the prevalent wickedness and evil which is overwhelming the world today!!

    HERE!!—Let’s try this—“Oh Heavenly Father—through your beloved son, Jesus Christ—will you isolate me and my loved ones from wickedness and evil (including, but not limited to the following—)
    * Predators
    * Parasites
    * Propagandists
    * Opportunists
    * Greedsters
    * Manipulators
    * Drug Crazed
    * Criminally Insane
    * Miscreants
    * Sex Maniacs
    * Sundry Other Demoniacs
    AMEN!!”

    This positive message is yet another free gift from your favorite Sage, Feral Tomm! You are WELCOME!!

    Reply
  6. Vanessa L says:
    November 26, 2023 at 2:51 pm

    Since men are mostly masculine energy, I would expect there traits to differ from women. This study is about alpha males and not women which possess more feminine energy. Also, some women show strength due to the pain experienced in their past. This is why women would not necessarily have the same traits as men. Why do we want to be so much like men, my strength in my feminine energy comes from a different place and that’s ok.

    Reply
  7. Julia m Green says:
    November 26, 2023 at 3:30 pm

    I agree with the traits, And i can only think of 2 men close to me that can meet all those marker. I am so fortunate one is my husband the other my son in law.

    Reply
  8. Yolanda Griffin says:
    April 27, 2024 at 12:18 pm

    My S/O was gone for a few months after a six year relationship. He let me know he is an alpha male. When I asked what that meant he replied I was beneath him, and I was to do what he said. I laughed and explained we have a problem since I am an alpha female. I was raised with all my male brothers, cousins and neighbors until about 16 years old, had divorced the father of my children, worked and paid my own bills, provided, protected and raised my children with no assistance from their father. That was his entire explanation, I was beneath him since I was female. To me, alpha is described by protecting and providing for your family. My impression was (for him) I should do as he says and he’s going to be out procreating with whomever catches his fancy and I would be running the home and sitting there. He never understood me when I told him a relationship/partnership meant we are a team walking together in this life side by side, with neither above or below the other.

    Reply
  9. Angie says:
    March 11, 2025 at 5:44 pm

    Alpha refers to pack leader, not male or female, no specific age or group size. Not even consistently in time or situation. A three year old in their pack of 2 will rise to the alpha spot because their hangry and want the popsicle and will bully/take charge to get it. In the next situation they don’t know how to open the door and gladly leave the task to another situational alpha.
    There are some that rise to the aloha role more frequently than others. Adults screw things up, as usual. Overthinking leads some to believe it’s a job, class, social title 24/7. It’s exhausting, and risky. Then there’s folks like me that happily share alpha with those around me. Just my bit, Not interested in replies or discussion. Have a great day.

    Reply
  10. Gerry Penn says:
    March 15, 2025 at 11:20 am

    Well is it not accurate that estrogen, progesterone and a small amount of testosterone are usually found in female humans? And Testosterone primarily is found in male humans although small amounts of female hormones are present as well. ( Males start out as females in the womb, correct? ) Not all men show strong leadership and assertive qualities. Or sometimes they develop them later in life. Same with women and nurturing qualities. If we changed the vocabulary so it is not attached to values and preferences we are right back in the sixties and the slogan “free to be you and me”. And is not human freedom with compassion and responsibility to others the key to a great civilization? Perhaps such liberation to be free is what frightens people and creates rigid boundaries that have made of our world one of fear of “the other”. Some Indigenous tribes for example express acceptance and embrace members whose hormonal differences from the rest of the tribe are evident. That is what is known as tolerance. The root Latin of the word is tolerare which translates “to bear the burden of” The burden of our own uncomfortableness with that which is different than the majority. Food for thought.

    Reply

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