The Power of Arrogance

Last week, we discussed the power of being open and the value of examining ideas for their validity, regardless of their source. You might want to take a minute if you haven't read it yet.

One reason we are not open to ideas is arrogance. Arrogance is defined "as having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's importance and abilities." The word arrogance comes from the Latin "arrogant," which means "overbearing. " This sums up how we all feel when we meet someone acting arrogantly. Unsurprisingly, we love to see an arrogant person get their comeuppance. We don't want anyone to feel or act above us, so it only feels right when we bring them back down to our level.

It's interesting to note that most, if not all, people aren't even aware of their arrogant behavior. Do you remember the last time you deliberately said, "I am going to act like a pompous jerk, treat people poorly, and look down at the lowly ones from my lofty perch?" If this is your usual way of acting, then you might want to stop reading this post and call a therapist ASAP.

We don't often realize when we are acting arrogantly. Most of the time, it's a well-intended, poorly executed-action. Unfortunately, acts of arrogance are on the rise, and they can harm our communication. You might ask, "How could you possibly know this?" Well, here is a data point for you to consider.

This chart shows the frequency of arrogance or arrogance in our written language over the past few hundred years. Please look at the sharp rise as we enter the information age. Isn't it interesting how we find an increase in the use of the words that, by the very definition, mean that you are laying claim to knowledge that wasn't earned? Everyone learned and had access to information and technology at different rates, which created the perception that others were much smarter than others. This trend underscores the need to be more mindful of our communication and the varying access levels to information.

It's also a stern reminder that we need to be more mindful of our communication and the impact of our words on others. As leaders, we often know more than those we serve. Access to that knowledge can lead some of us to act like we are better than others. The frequently used message of "that's for me to know and yours to find out" breeds a sense of arrogance.

As leaders, it is crucial to recognize that possessing knowledge or expertise does not justify an arrogant attitude towards others. Instead, we are responsible for using our knowledge to empower and uplift those around us. Authentic leadership inspires and guides others, not belittling or patronizing them. When we act arrogantly as leaders, we create an environment of fear and resentment, inhibiting open communication and collaboration. This ultimately hinders the growth and success of the entire team or organization.

Effective leadership involves humility, empathy, and a willingness to learn from others. Leaders should foster trust and mutual respect by embracing a humble and open-minded approach. Encouraging feedback, acknowledging the expertise of others, and remaining open to different perspectives are essential practices that help to counteract the adverse effects of arrogance. As strong leaders, it is paramount to lead by example and demonstrate that humility and confidence are not mutually exclusive.

That is why the expression "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" means so much in today's environment.

You must show your team that you genuinely care about them and their needs. This is not done purely through words but by actions. We can all smell a fake and self-serving arrogant person who neither cares about their team nor others' success. They are only concerned with themselves and what they can get from their team. They may have some level of success, but at what price?

This week, take a moment and check your behaviors. Are your actions performed with humility and a more profound sense of concern for those whom you lead? If not, it might be time to come down from the pedestal and approach the team on a more level playing field.

What have you seen as exemplary ways to not act in an arrogant manner? How have you caught yourself or others who were tempted to act in a pompous way? Feel free to share your ideas to help the community grow their own skill sets.