Moderately dominant—You want to have your cake and eat it, too. As the Goddess, Governess or Nurse, you’re trying to strike a balance between doing what’s right for yourself, what’s right for your company and what’s right for your colleagues. Balancing on a corporate tightrope can be exhilarating, but it can also make you dizzy. Your equilibrium is critical as a Corporate Dominatrix.

Imperceptibly dominant/seemingly submissive—You want to remain in the bosom of the rank and file. As the Schoolgirl, you’re making sure you’re still the teacher’s pet, but that comes with dedication and hard work. Keep in mind that currying favor is okay once in a while, if it’s opportunistic, but don’t completely rely on it if you want to aspire to Corporate Dominatrix status.

Article reprinted with permission from The Corporate Dominatrix: Six Roles to Play to Get Your Way at Work by Lisa Robyn, published by Simon and Schuster.