How to Handle Cocky People & Stay in Control

Peek Inside 👇

Understanding the Roots of Arrogance
- Why Do Some People Act Arrogantly?
Strategies to Stay Unshaken
What If You Have to Work with a Cocky Person?
How to Respond to Common Arrogant Comments
Final Thoughts: Stay in Control

We’ve all encountered cocky people—the ones who incessantly boast 📢, belittle others, and act as if they possess all the answers.

Whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or even a stranger, dealing with such personalities can be exasperating and may even cause you to question your own self-assurance.

But here’s the reality: cocky people aren’t your problem—how you handle them is.

Handling cocky people effectively requires confidence 💪, patience, and the right strategies to ensure they don’t drain your energy or undermine your self-worth.

Understanding the Roots of Arrogance

Understanding the reasons behind cocky behaviour can help you respond effectively rather than taking it personally.

Arrogance often stems from underlying insecurities or an inflated sense of self-importance. For example, someone who constantly boasts about their achievements might be masking a deep fear of inadequacy.

Some individuals develop a superiority complex as a defence mechanism to cope with feelings of inferiority. This complex leads them to believe they are superior to others, often resulting in disdainful or overbearing behaviour.

Why Do Some People Act Arrogantly?

Insecurity Masquerading as Confidence: Many people who come across as cocky are, in reality, deeply insecure. They overcompensate by boasting or dismissing others.
Upbringing and Environment: If someone was constantly praised without learning humility, they might have developed an inflated ego.
Competitiveness: Some people see life as a constant competition and use arrogance as a way to assert dominance.

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Recognising these factors doesn’t excuse the behaviour but helps in developing a strategic response rather than reacting emotionally 🤔.

Strategies to Stay Unshaken

1. Maintain Your Composure

Arrogant people thrive on getting a reaction. The more they see you flustered, the more control they feel they have. Instead:

Take deep breaths to stay calm.
Use neutral body language to avoid signalling frustration.
Remind yourself that their arrogance is about them, not you.

2. Strengthen Your Self-Confidence

Cocky individuals can make you doubt yourself, but only if you let them. Build your self-confidence so their words don’t affect you:

Affirm Your Strengths: Regularly remind yourself of your skills and accomplishments.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People: A strong support system boosts your self-esteem and keeps you grounded.
Don’t Seek Their Validation: You don’t need their approval to confirm your worth.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

Some arrogant people will continue pushing until they meet resistance. Establish boundaries by:

Politely shutting down unnecessary bragging (e.g., “That’s great, but let’s focus on the topic at hand”).
Not allowing them to belittle you (e.g., “I appreciate your perspective, but I disagree”).
Walking away if the conversation becomes toxic.

4. Choose Your Battles Wisely

Not every comment deserves a response. Instead of engaging in unnecessary debates, redirect the conversation towards productive discussions, such as shared goals or collaborative problem-solving.

5. Keep Conversations Grounded

Instead of getting drawn into a competitive exchange, keep interactions neutral, focused on facts, and rooted in constructive dialogue. This prevents the conversation from becoming a platform for their self-glorification.

6. Keep a Sense of Humour

A lighthearted approach can diffuse tension and disarm cocky individuals, but it’s important to assess the situation first. In professional settings, a more neutral and direct approach may be more effective. For example:

Playfully deflect a brag: “Wow, I didn’t realise I was talking to a world champion!”
Laugh off their need for validation: “I admire your confidence—you should bottle it and sell it!”

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Humour keeps the mood light 😆 and prevents you from getting dragged into their energy.

7. Focus on Your Own Growth

Instead of fixating on their arrogance, shift your focus inward. Invest in your personal and professional development, ensuring that your success is based on genuine achievements rather than external validation.

What If You Have to Work with a Cocky Person?

Arrogant colleagues can be particularly challenging since you can’t always avoid them. If their behaviour consistently undermines your work or morale, consider discussing the issue with a manager or HR for support. Here’s how to navigate these situations:

Stick to professionalism: Keep interactions work-related and avoid personal discussions where they might try to dominate.
Document interactions: If their arrogance turns into undermining behaviour, keeping records can help protect you in workplace disputes.
Redirect conversations: If they’re dominating a meeting with unnecessary boasting, redirect focus back to the team’s goals.

How to Respond to Common Arrogant Comments

Here are some practical ways to handle cocky remarks without letting them get under your skin:

Cocky Remark: “I’m probably the most experienced person here.”
- Response: “It’s always great to have experienced people on the team. Everyone brings something valuable.”
Cocky Remark: “I already know everything about this.”
- Response: “That’s great! I’d love to hear your perspective after we hear from everyone else.”
Cocky Remark: “You wouldn’t understand—it’s pretty advanced.”
- Response: “Try me. I like a challenge.”

These responses help keep the conversation constructive and prevent unnecessary conflict, while maintaining your own sense of composure.