The pitfall of arrogance

Sandrine Rattan writes a weekly column, With Women In Mind, for the Newsday. 

There is a very thin line between confidence and arrogance –Adam Peaty

Strutting around with an attitude signifying that you’re better than all denotes a sense of insecurity and an inflated sense of self destined to your own demise. I have said in many of my previous features that each of us was created for a special purpose some of which we can’t understand, until our life begins to blossom.

Though arrogance is a characteristic that many societies often value and cherish, particularly in sectors such as politics and business, it sometimes pushes the wrong button, and in most instances, negatively impacts the progress of those so prone. It is indeed mythical thinking to believe that successful people are those who are arrogant and possess the ability to push themselves in the forefront..this type of behaviour borders on self-aggrandisement and self-serving.

To effectively interact with arrogant people requires a particular IQ that allows you easy detection before feeling the impact of the arrogant whip…Start by paying attention to their conversations and how they engage with others in those conversations..the first sign of arrogance is the anger infused in their body language once attention shifts to others within the engaged space.

Arrogance is heavily influenced by limited life experience which restricts one’s knowledge in displaying humility and respect when treating with others. Calmly challenge their philosophy on life and other critical issues, and immediately their anger rises. Ambivalence scares arrogant people as it suggests flaws and uncertainty in their belief system.

The quality of their relationships is sometimes questionable as their feelings and/or perceptions fluctuate leaving little room for stability. Arrogant individuals usually find difficulty in treating with others whose beliefs and/or opinions or even cultural backgrounds differ from theirs.

Closely observe how their social status is always thrown head-on at you so as to make a statement of importance. They are also quickly willing to demonstrate their cruel side to those who they dislike or who do not fall prey to their arrogant trap. Their disgust comes gushing to light once mention is made of people who they dislike almost to the point where conflict is created. Insecurity levels of arrogant people are easily detected as they continuously condemn suggestions made by others to always appear as the bearers of perfection.

Co-existing with arrogant people particularly in your work environment can be a tedious undertaking …but as a receiver of arrogance, you need to, at all times, ensure that your levels of self-confidence and self-assurance are high; continuously sharpen your listening skills which will redound to improving your wisdom necessary to assess the situation and/or broader environment. Be sure to be included in the decision-making process if required. Arrogance signifies one of the greatest weaknesses of humankind and therefore it is worth your while to be humble and respectful towards others.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications and branding consultant, author, empowerment builder and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@gmail.com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@gmail.com or hotline: 283-0318