Which of these may convey arrogance ?
A. Shoulder Shrug
B. Jointed Fingertips
C. Hands Swinging Loosely
D. Pointed Finger
Correct Answer :
D). Pointed Finger
Explanation : When one uses a finger for pointing, it may be interpreted as aggressive, confrontational, or even arrogant. In most cases, it suggests that the individual is exercising control or passing harsh judgments over others.
Arrogance is a silent career killer and relationship poison.
Unlike confidence (which attracts), arrogance repels by signaling superiority
and dismissing others. But how do you spot it—in yourself or
others? Below are key behaviors that often convey arrogance, explained with
real-world examples and why they backfire.
12 Behaviors That
Frequently Signal Arrogance
- The
Monologue Master
Sign: Dominating conversations, interrupting others, or
showing visible disinterest when others speak.
Why it reads as arrogance: Signals “My thoughts matter
more than yours.” - The
Humblebrag
Sign: “Ugh, I only got a 98% on the
exam,” or “It’s exhausting traveling first-class
constantly.”
Why it reads as arrogance: Masks boasting as complaint—implies
your “problems” are elite. - The
Credit Hog
Sign: Taking sole credit for team successes (“I closed
the deal”) or downplaying others’ contributions.
Why it reads as arrogance: Erases collaboration and devalues
colleagues. - The
Unsolicited Expert
Sign: Offering unrequested advice, corrections, or “well
actually…” comments—especially in areas outside your expertise.
Example: Correcting someone’s pronunciation during a casual
chat.
Why it reads as arrogance: Assumes you know best, always. - The
Name-Dropper
Sign: “My friend Elon thinks…” or “When I was
at Davos with CEOs…” in irrelevant contexts.
Why it reads as arrogance: Uses associations to imply
superiority. - The
Body Language Broadcast
Sign:
- Eye-rolling
or exaggerated sighs - Checking
phone while others talk - Standing
too close (invading space) - Lack
of eye contact (dismissiveness)
Why it reads as arrogance: Non-verbally screams “You’re
beneath my attention.”
- Eye-rolling
- The
Rule Exempt
Sign: Acting like policies/procedures don’t apply to you
(“I don’t do paperwork”).
Why it reads as arrogance: Implies you’re too important for
norms. - The
Backhanded Compliment
Sign: “You’re surprisingly articulate!” or
“This is good… for an intern.”
Why it reads as arrogance: Praise laced with condescension. - The
Conversation Redirector
Sign: Steering every topic back to yourself:
Them: “I climbed Machu Picchu!”
You: “I summited Everest. Twice.”
Why it reads as arrogance: Makes others feel like audience
members in your life story. - The
Dismissive Language User
Sign: Phrases like:
- “Obviously…”
- “Everyone
knows…” - “It’s
simple, really…” (when it’s not)
Why it reads as arrogance: Frames differing views as
ignorance.
- The
Unilateral Decider
Sign: Making team/group decisions without consultation
(“I booked us all at this restaurant—no menus needed”).
Why it reads as arrogance: Assumes your preferences trump
collective input. - The
Struggle Invalidator
Sign: “I never study and ace exams—just work
smarter!” or “If you were really motivated,
you’d have my results.”
Why it reads as arrogance: Reduces others’ challenges to
personal failure.
Key Distinction: Confidence
vs. Arrogance
Confidence |
Arrogance |
Listens actively |
Listens to respond |
Shares credit |
Hoards credit |
Admits ignorance |
Fakes expertise |
Respects boundaries |
Dismisses others’ input |
“We succeeded.” |
“I succeeded.” |
Why Does This Matter?
Arrogance damages trust, stifles collaboration, and limits
growth. Studies show arrogant leaders have higher team turnover, while humble
leaders drive better results.
How to Avoid Slipping
Into Arrogance
- Ask
more than you tell: “What do you think?” - Celebrate
others’ wins publicly. - Replace
“I” with “we” where appropriate. - Practice
active listening (no phones, eye contact, follow-up questions). - Seek
feedback regularly from trusted peers.
Key Takeaway
Arrogance isn’t about having strengths—it’s
about flaunting them while diminishing others. Spotting these
behaviors helps you course-correct in yourself and navigate others wisely. True
influence grows from humility, not self-importance.