jobs salaries reviews tips & trends tips & trends … · by ritika trikha posted august 15,...
TRANSCRIPT
8/28/13 6:53 PMHow to Work with Big Egos | CareerBliss
Page 1 of 4http://www.careerbliss.com/advice/how-to-work-with-big-egos/
How to Work with Big EgosBy Ritika Trikha
Posted August 15, 2013
When I think aboutpeople with bigegos, Kanye Westimmediately comesto mind (probablybecause of his lastalbum is titledYeezus, whichalludes to his God-like mentality).
Chances are, thereare plenty of Kanye-like professionalswhere you work,usually lessextreme. You knowthe type: alwaysinsisting their way isthe best way. Always bragging about their achievements. They’re self-absorbed. Resistant to compromise. Stubborn.
Case Managemen...Position ID:29232Position Title:CaseManagement Nur...Zurich North Ame... |Naples, FL
View More Opportunities! Interest Based Ad
Veterinary TechnicianExperienced Veterinary Technician...SPECIALISTS IN... | Estero, FL
Software EngineerMicros Systems, Inc., Naples FL. ...MICROS SYSTEMS | Naples, FL
Most ViewedHappiest Companies of 2013
20 Worst Cities to Find a Job for2012
20 Happiest U.S. Cities for YoungProfessionals for 2012
Avoid these 4 Pitfalls for aSuccessful Job Search
5 Tales of Incredibly AwkwardInterviews
Browse Tips & TrendsBlog Career Advice
Home Tips & Trends Advice How to Work with Big Egos
Tips & TrendsTips & Trends Enter Keyword Enter Location
Submit a Review Log In
JobsJobs SalariesSalaries ReviewsReviews Tips & TrendsTips & Trends
8/28/13 6:53 PMHow to Work with Big Egos | CareerBliss
Page 2 of 4http://www.careerbliss.com/advice/how-to-work-with-big-egos/
Lee Iacocca, former CEO of Chrysler, once said: “There’s a world ofdifference between a strong ego, which is essential, and a large ego-whichis destructive.”
This article is going to address the latter only. Like Kanye, these large egosin the office most likely have celebrated talent (it’s why they were hired).So, they’re smart, but they’re hard to work with. Time to bring in somereinforcements!
To battle this issue, I spoke with several different etiquette, communicationand career experts on the best way to work with big egos. The lessonshere are definitely worth considering the next time your coworker’s on anego-trip:
1. Say Their Name a LotThey love to hear their own name. It’s one way of stroking their ego withoutactually forcing yourself to compliment them. It’s a small price to pay to getthem to actually listen to you.
“Keep them engaged by using their name and making them feel theconversation is about them,” according to the Collaboration HQ blog.
2. Confront the Issue, Not the PersonIf he’s wrong, feel free to clarify…just don’t make it sound like it’s hismistake. Focus on the issue rather than his behavior. Otherwise, you’rejust asking for resentment, manipulation and all kinds of unpleasantness.
3. Listen but Avoid Engaging in an ArgumentFolks with big egos are often aggressive and use intimidation ormanipulation to get what they want. Whatever you do, don’t fall for the trap.He wants to get a rise out of you. Act, don’t react.
“Being polite, succinct and precise in your language will give them lessroom to engage in this negative behavior,” says Dr. Barton Goldsmith,award-winning psychotherapist and author of 100 Ways to Boost Your SelfConfidence.
4. Remember, it’s Not a Competition Between You TwoAll of his arrogant bragging and controlling nature might make it feel likethis is some sort of competition.
“A lot of people who encounter big egos, see these dynamics as acompetition, and they turn it into one if it isn't,” says April Masini, a criticallyacclaimed advice columnist.
So, there really isn't any race between you two outside of your own
Facts andFigures
Infographics
NewsPressReleases
Coworkers/Boss CultureInterview Job SearchNetworking ResumeSocial Media Trends
Contributors
Luke Roney, CareerBliss Editor
Follow Follow @lukecareerbliss@lukecareerbliss
Ritika Trikha, CareerBliss Writer
Follow Follow @ritikatrikha@ritikatrikha
The CareerBliss Team
Follow Follow @CareerBliss@CareerBliss
8/28/13 6:53 PMHow to Work with Big Egos | CareerBliss
Page 3 of 4http://www.careerbliss.com/advice/how-to-work-with-big-egos/
mindset.
5. Don’t Be a DoormatIf you’re clashing with someone, sometimes all it takes is to “have a privateconversation with the person and see if there is a way to work together,”suggests Thom Singer, who is a speaker and known as the ConferenceCatalyst.
Whether or not this option is a good route for you, the most important thingis to speak up when you know you’re right (keep No. 2 & 3 in mind).
6. Focus on Your Own WorkDon’t get caught up in watching, critiquing and worrying about his actions.Focus on doing the best you can.
“If you see right through them, then your boss does too,” says EliseMcVeigh, an etiquette expert. “Team players are the ones who getrewarded and in the end recognized, so if you are feeling frustrated keepthat in mind.”
As long as you’re getting recognized for your work, who cares about thebig ego in your office? Again, make sure you tactfully speak up aboutwhat’s right.
Photo from David Shankbone via Wikimedia Commons
Back to Tips & Trends
Browse Companies
A B C D E F
G H I J K L
M N O P Q R
S T U V W X
Y Z 0-9
Home
Jobs
Salaries
Reviews
Tips & Trends
CareerBlissAdvisory Board
Advertise with Us!
Contact Us
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy