Arrogance is a chess game that nobody wants to play.

The King’s Move.

Arrogance is comparable to a chess game, where the King is the only player.  Always keen for the next move to be to his advantage, yet nobody has put their hand up to participate.  There is no competition just a very trying person; wrapped in traits that hide insecurities.

The people surrounding the head of court are a team of Knights, Bishops, Pawns, Rooks and Queen and yet they are treated as the enemy when arrogance enforces its will.  While the King maybe generous, witty and playful when it suits; the rage and personal attacks are always what his people remember.

Arrogance is not about a win-win situation.  This type of behaviour walks through people, rather than guiding the group.  Unpredictable conduct does not create a good leader.  Some refer to it as being over confident.  This not the case as it is unbalanced and very unhealthy.  It’s aggressive and can strike out at any time.

It becomes embarrassing to witness and even be a part of.  Everyone feels for the person who is at the end of the attack.  But most of all, everyone is glad the tirade is not aimed at them.

It’s comparable to dancing to one person’s needy ways, because offending them will send them into fits of rage.  An arrogant person doesn’t considerater/review their own behaviour but is very judgemental on those around them.

Negative chatter and whispers dominate the conversation when the King is not around.  Upon his arrival a false charade is played out with fake smiles and behaviour.

His entourage recognise how fragile this arrogance is.  It constantly requires appeasing to the Kings needs in order for the room to remain anything other than aggressive, condescending or disruptive.

There are five of the Kings men assembled in a meeting room.  The mood is jovial; enjoying each other’s company.  When Mr Arrogance arrives at the scene, the energy shifts and atmosphere changes.  If you were to watch closely, you would recognise individual body language has adjusted and now stands to attention.

A couple get busy and make excuses to leave this area.  Others attempt a joke or two.  Testing the waters to see what type of mood the King is in.  All wanting to accommodate this time bomb called arrogance.

Each individual manages arrogance differently. People may behave, become defensive, may stay on guard or remain quiet in the presence of arrogance.  People respond and laugh on queue; mirroring the body language of arrogance, all the while they are feeling uncomfortable.  This is not bringing out the best in people.  A leader is not utilising their team effectively if people feel this way.

Arrogance and Fear Affects Peoples’ Work Ethic.

An approachable leader will create a safe work environment that thrives on utilising individual traits and dynamic thinking.  This generates results far more superior to the leader who runs staff by fear.  Working for a boss who is known for their moods and unpredictable behaviour, making people afraid; hides unique qualities an individual possesses.

Arrogance is emotionally unstable so a professional appraisal of work outcomes is based on their moods that shift sporadically.  Creativity is stifled as the individuals’ only motivation is to please arrogance, not allowing the mind to expand.

It does not matter how old you are or what profession you’re in, when you are constantly up against a boss who is difficult.  You spend more time tip toeing to their mood than you do on outcomes.

The King’s Entertainment.

The Court Jester was the Kings pleasure and crowd pleaser, now better known as the comedian.  There are those who lift the crowd with light hearted fun.

Then you have the pin pointers who select an individual and take them apart.  Rendering their victim powerless having no option but to accept their fate.  Some truths and over exaggerated statements are flown around the room.

Audience participation is demanded as the comedian demolishes an individual’s sense of self-worth in front of everyone.

The crowd responds with a cautious laugh.  This highlights a vulnerable and uncomfortable audience.  Nobody is safe when this type of entertainment is around.

These performances are mentioned right throughout history, however it does not mean they are appreciated.  It is the most acceptable yet unhealthy form of entertainment.

When have you ever known anyone to appreciate being put under the spot light in this fashion?  Someone raising their hand to the comedian and yelling, ‘pick me, pick me’!  It is passive aggressive no matter how you dress it up.  And it is normally dished out with a smile.

And yet we pay for this kind of amusement.  Could you imagine the King being targeted in this manner and how that would be received with an explosive temper?  Off with their heads, would be an irrational response.  And in the past this has occurred.

However let us not be dismayed.  Some performers in this industry can make a crowd roar with laughter.  Nobody fears this approach.  The audience relaxes into a fits of hilarity enjoying themselves with no reservations about their self-preservation.

Now this is entertainment and the fine art of making everyone inclusive.  A good comedian has material that lifts every-ones spirits, embraces all and moves their crowd to a heightened experience.  The roaring belly laugh wins all the time.  The cautious giggle is where the problem lies and is another form of arrogance.

A Superior Attitude.

A comedian making jokes at their own expense is a decision made as an entertainer.  However taking liberties as a performer and ambushing an individual is an abuse of power.

Just because the job criteria allows for this display of abuse, does not make it acceptable.  In some countries police carry guns and have stringent rules; when shooting to kill.  This does not mean they are not answerable for their actions.  What a blind belief to harness.  Cutting people down to get a laugh.

This type of behaviour is always cause for concern in other environments.  Policies and procedures have been created to ensure this type of bullying is weeded out of the work place.  So who do you complain to when your boss fits into the complaint criteria?

This bullying behaviour is hard work and creates stress for other individuals.  When an arrogant person feels threatened or out of control they will display aggressive behaviour.  A superior attitude that reins power over people creating a drama to reinforce their status.  Placing their needs above those they abuse.

This type of thinking is an insufficiency in the self.  Highlighting where major work in personal development is required.  Always looking outward and throwing weight around rather than taking responsibility for untoward behaviour.  This attitude is blinded and has no potential for growth.

When arrogance renders individuals to powerless positions, the action says my needs are more important than others.  When you are a leader, people have no choice but to accept this behaviour.  But never think it is tolerable.  Arrogance becomes a no go zone when people do have an opportunity for choice.