How to Deal with a Proud Person: 5 Strategies

Have you ever struggled with how to deal with a proud person? Do you find yourself walking on eggshells around certain individuals who seem overly sensitive to criticism?

In his book The Art of Dealing with People, Les Giblin offers valuable insights on navigating relationships with proud individuals. This article explores five effective strategies that can help you interact more smoothly with those who have a strong sense of pride.

Read on to discover practical tips that will transform your approach to dealing with proud people and improve your interpersonal relationships.

Understand the Power of Self-Worth

When learning how to deal with a proud person, it's crucial to recognize the significant role that self-worth plays in their behavior. Everyone has an innate desire to feel valued and acknowledged, and proud individuals often have an amplified need for this recognition. This fundamental aspect of human nature shapes much of our behavior, including how we interact with others, making it essential to understand when navigating relationships with proud people.

If someone's sense of self-worth feels threatened or undernourished, they may respond with aggressive, protective, or self-centered behavior. This is especially true for proud individuals who may be particularly sensitive to perceived slights or challenges to their ego.

To effectively interact with proud people, focus on boosting their self-assurance. By recognizing and appreciating their unique worth, you can facilitate smoother and more productive interactions. Remember, your words and actions can deeply affect an individual's sense of self-worth, so always communicate in ways that uphold and respect their dignity.

Acknowledge Their Unique Value

One of the most powerful ways to deal with proud individuals is to recognize the unique value inherent in them. Make a conscious effort to acknowledge their talents and accomplishments by giving them heartfelt commendations.

When you provide positive reinforcement and acknowledgment, you boost their self-esteem. This can be as simple as attentively listening to them and offering sincere compliments. By participating in these actions, you enhance their sense of personal value and cultivate stronger relationships.

Remember, as Henry Kaiser suggested, recognizing every individual as a unique creation with divine roots can enhance the way we interact with each other. By adopting this mindset, you'll be better equipped to gracefully and respectfully manage the ups and downs of personal pride and self-esteem variations in proud individuals.

Master the Art of Conversation

Developing proficiency in conversational skills is essential when dealing with proud individuals. Effective communication serves as a foundational element in all types of relationships, be they personal or professional.

Start by overcoming any initial reluctance or uncertainty you might have about initiating dialogues. Many people grapple with shyness, but remember that your initial interactions set the stage for the entire exchange.

To get the conversation flowing, encourage proud individuals to share their own stories. Ask them about their place of origin, their views on the climate, or their family. These inquiries are excellent conversation starters that allow them to speak about their experiences, a topic they're well-versed in and typically enjoy discussing.

Most importantly, practice active listening. Give your undivided attention when the proud person is speaking. Demonstrate a profound level of engagement by inclining your body towards them and asking questions. Refrain from interrupting and encourage them to provide additional information. By paying close attention to what they say, you convey deep respect for their thoughts, nurturing their feeling of value and understanding.

Project Confidence and Positivity

When interacting with proud individuals, it's important to project an enthused, self-assured demeanor through your body language and tone. Maintain an upright stance, carry yourself with confidence, and move with deliberate strides. Your physical demeanor can convey assurance, fostering belief in your capabilities among others, including the proud person you're dealing with.

Avoid negative or self-deprecating speech that could undermine your influence. Express your thoughts clearly not only through your gestures and posture but also through the substance of your dialogue and the inflections in your speech.

Develop a communication style that is both friendly and accessible. You can use the "me-too" method to foster common ground and establish connections. Share your personal stories and reflections naturally, especially when the proud individual expresses interest and inquires further. This approach can help create a more balanced interaction, where both parties feel valued and heard.

Provide Constructive Feedback Carefully

When it comes to offering constructive criticism to proud individuals, it's crucial to ensure that their dignity is preserved. Provide subtle and constructive guidance, concentrating on actions instead of traits, and propose actionable steps while affirming your belief in their potential to progress.

Start by establishing a confidential and safe space for dialogue. This supports constructive discussion of issues without subjecting the proud person to public humiliation. Initiate the conversation with sincere commendations and positive remarks. Make it a habit to openly acknowledge your gratitude, ensuring that even the smallest acts of kindness are not overlooked.

When framing critiques, present them as suggestions for improvement rather than personal attacks. You might say, "Have you thought about putting these changes into action?" This method often results in less opposition. Focus your critiques on the behavior rather than the individual.

Finally, demonstrate confidence in the proud person's capacity for development and higher accomplishments. End by affirming your trust in their abilities, stating with assurance, "I am confident in your dependability." By recognizing advancements and consistently supporting preferred actions, you can foster ongoing development and show support for their journey of improvement.