5 Signs You’re Dealing with a Conceited Person and How to Handle Them

The Definition of Conceit

Conceit is defined as excessive self-esteem or self-importance. It’s okay to have confidence in oneself, but it becomes a problem when it’s taken to an extreme level. Dealing with a conceited person can be a challenging task as their behavior can be disruptive to the daily routine. In this article, we are going to look at five signs that indicate someone is conceited and discuss a few ways to handle them professionally.

Sign #1: Making Themselves the Center of Attention

A conceited person loves to be the center of attention. They believe everything revolves around them and will not hesitate to take over a conversation, regardless of the topic. They will interrupt others, dismiss contrary opinions, and talk over people, all to ensure that all eyes and ears are focused on them.

Sign #2: Bragging About Their Achievements

Conceited people like to brag about their achievements. While there is nothing wrong with being proud of one’s accomplishments, a conceited person takes it a step further. They will exaggerate their achievements, make themselves appear more significant than they are, and belittle others’ accomplishments.

Sign #3: Always Needing to be Right

A conceited person is always right in their minds, and they insist on their way being the only way. They are not open to considering other perspectives or options, making it challenging to work or communicate with them.

Sign #4: Belittling and Disrespectful Behavior

Conceited people tend to treat others with contempt and disdain. They tend to look down on those they consider below them and use condescending tones and body language. They are prone to belittling people, making them feel small and insignificant.

Sign #5: Lack of Empathy

A conceited person lacks empathy for others. They only care about themselves and their needs, making it challenging to build a lasting relationship with them. They often dismiss other people’s feelings or ideas if they don’t align with their own.

How to Handle a Conceited Person

Now that we’ve identified the five signs of a conceited person, the question arises: how do you handle them? Here are a few ways to help you deal with a conceited person professionally.

1. Don’t Fuel Their Ego

Conceited people thrive on the attention they receive. Refuse to fuel their ego by not giving them the attention they seek. Redirect the conversation to something else, acknowledge others’ contributions, and avoid praising their exaggerated accomplishments.

2. Speak Up

If the person’s behavior is negatively impacting you or the team, speak up politely. Explain how their words or actions make you feel and try to find a resolution together.

3. Set Boundaries

Set boundaries and stick to them. Make it clear what behaviors are unacceptable and don’t allow them to cross those boundaries. Being firm and consistent will help them understand that their behavior is not okay.

4. Avoid Engaging with Them

Sometimes, it’s best to avoid engaging with a conceited person altogether. Limit your interaction with them and only engage when necessary. Remember, you can’t change their behavior, but you can control how you react to it.

Wrapping Up

We hope this article has helped you identify the signs of a conceited person and given you a few strategies to handle them professionally. Remember, dealing with a conceited person can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. With patience, resilience, and assertiveness, you can work with them effectively and maintain a healthy work relationship.