Speaking from both past and recent experiences and perhaps you, like me, have also, at one time or another witnessed, overheard or been on the receiving end of a technical or customer support, or any person, for that matter, who is considered to be in a position of wealth in knowledge, skill & more understanding, has delivered a response to a question, with an attitude seemingly to air an arrogance pertaining to a sense of “You and others who ask such questions are stupid! – This is simple! Surely you should already know this”?
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Most of us tend to have an initial reaction of being taken a little aback, an “ouch”, “hmm” or maybe a “what an .##$#.” moment. Now because it is our own reaction it is what we carry within our body and mind, it is because of this that you might like to start to consider how reactions can be upgraded and more informed with concepts and understanding in order to generate the most beneficial positive effect for your own mind & body health for now and the future.
The attitude plated with “knowledge arrogance”
Is it a learned attitude, behaviour, perhaps a limiting belief about self or someone else, or does it even exist at all unless it is perceived by others?
According to Wikipedia: “arrogance” can be considered “an offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride”.
(and if on Wikipedia it must be true, right??? Don’t get me started on the some of the one sided and partial information of influence on there due to everyone and anyone being able to edit – always ensure to validate your information from many different sources)
Knowledge arrogance can be perceived as many things, it can be:
- a reflection of a learnt negative behaviour which may hold a positive intention to protect and provide a sense of significance whilst masking their own insecurities, or
- that maybe their own personal internal resources have been lowered due to recent events, and are momentarily acting from a “dark” place “or melting self worth pot”
- the lack of knowledge of the 4 Stages of the Learning process to be able to recognize and understand appropriate support or have forgotten that they too went through the stages to achieve their knowledge and skill.
- perceived or magnified only due the emotional state and mindset of the person on the witnessing or receiving end.
Whichever it is, the likelihood is that you will not know unless you ask and unbeknown to (or perhaps I can now say let it be known) this type of behaviour can leave a lasting impression and ruin relationships and reputations for future interactions as aptly highlighted by Peter Mende-Siedlecki in his TedEd video Should you trust your first impressions
How you choose to feed yourself is empowered to you.
Our physiology (body – posture & health), our mindset of emotional states, new & old beliefs, decisions and values from experiences of past events and the meanings we have given them, will undoubtedly have effect on how we behave or react and affect how we feel when presented with a perceived air of arrogance.
The following are energy flip side of reactions, both have the positive intention to have a person feel “power” (me) or “empowered” (them & selves) about the experience.
The responses are intended to be fun and also reflect a little of the serious side to provide an awareness as to how our reactions can carry these different types of energy on our minds and body and the importance of educating yourself in building your own emotional intelligence & understanding, for resilience and empowerment.
What is your reaction attitude? Will you build for long term beneficial solutions or have preference for a short term temporary fix?
Empowerment starved – what we may take from the plate.
Shoulders shrunk rounded with eyes and head lowered,
this comes from a place that has been disempowered.
The respect at the start is quick to dissipate,
and towards you (and I), I feel some hate.
With my resources deflated and my self esteem low,
this is likely how my reaction might go:
Hey there ar$eh0le! Couldn’t you see?
I was only asking for your help to grow me.
My initial thought you were smart and knowledge aware,
and even had the potential to share
But your belittling me for what I didn’t know,
with your arrogance clearly put on show.
I am usually a polite person as most people will say,
but first impressions imply you’re a C U Next Tuesday!
In this moment, beliefs I might create about me,
are that I may have some sort of deficiency.
And I’ll view you and your type as being all the same,
and may jeopardise future learning and never ask questions again.
Or when I do ask, it will take all of my courage,
as responses like yours now have me discouraged.
I’ll may walk away feeling hurt and attacked ,
and sadly if I let it, this memory may drag me back.
Empowerment nourished – What we may bring the plate.
Standing tall with my head held high,
knowing there are reasons and I may ask you why,
You and I as individuals we can appreciate,
but the acceptance of behaviour is where we differentiate.
Aware of my resources, which I know how to manage,
in case I meet people whose egos inflated or slightly damaged.
I can choose politeness and say thanks for your time,
and highlight gently your tone was a little out of line.
I asked for your knowledge please do be aware,
that it is a gift that you have albeit the choice is to share.
If to share or support is simply not the case,
then choose to respond with a bit more style and grace.
I see the situation for what was worth,
and I do hope this negative behaviour only momentarily unearthed.
Should you in future get a second chance,
may your approach mature and your attitude enhance.
For questions are the seeds asked to be sown
and the answers provided is the knowledge grown.
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When it comes to achieving NEW knowledge & skills, we ALL go through the 4 Stages of the learning process and due to our individual interests, experience and our gaps in or already acquired knowledge and skills, we will potentially be at different stages requiring different levels of awareness & support.
The concepts, tools & coaching techniques of Neuro Linguistic Programing (N.L.P) & Hypnosis will do more than assist in building your internal positive resources & resilience, they can enable you to fine tune and empower your mind, body & spirit to generate a healthier & stronger mindset for well-being and open a greater number of choices for creating a brighter & fulfilling past, present & future.