Entitlement: A Sense Of Deserved Superiority

Overview

Entitlement, as a personality trait, describes an individual's ingrained belief in their own exceptional status and the corresponding expectation of preferential treatment. This sense of deservingness can significantly influence how a person interacts with others and navigates various aspects of life. It reflects a tendency to place elevated claims on resources and exhibit low egalitarian attitudes. In essence, it's the feeling that you are 'owed' something, simply by existing. This differs from Self Confidence, which stems from competence and achievement, while entitlement can be independent of these factors. It is essential to recognize this trait, both in yourself and others, to foster more equitable and productive interactions.

Characteristics

If you are high in the trait of entitlement, certain behaviors may be more apparent. Understanding these can help you recognize and address them.

• Expectation of Special Treatment: You might anticipate that rules don't apply to you and that you deserve advantages.
• Difficulty with Criticism: You may find it challenging to accept feedback or criticism, interpreting it as unfair or unwarranted.
• Low Empathy: You might struggle to consider the perspectives or needs of others, focusing primarily on your own desires.
• Sense of Superiority: You may have a general feeling of being better than others, which influences your interactions and expectations.
• Reacting Poorly to Disappointment: Disappointments or setbacks can trigger strong negative reactions, as they contradict the feeling of deserved success.

In the Workplace

In a professional setting, the trait of entitlement can significantly affect an individual's behavior and the dynamics within a team.

• Demanding Behavior: Individuals high in entitlement might exhibit demanding behavior, expecting special treatment or exemptions from standard workplace policies.
• Resistance to Feedback: Constructive criticism or performance reviews may be met with defensiveness or dismissal, hindering professional development. This is the opposite of someone who is high in Adaptability.
• Poor Teamwork: A sense of superiority can undermine collaboration, as the individual may struggle to value the contributions of others or share credit.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Unrealistic expectations about career progression or rewards can lead to dissatisfaction and conflict within the workplace.
• Disregard for Hierarchy: A disregard for company hierarchy or protocol can disrupt workplace efficiency and create friction with supervisors or colleagues.

Relationships

Entitlement can dramatically reshape the landscape of personal relationships. It can lead to persistent interpersonal issues.

• One-Sided Relationships: You might tend to prioritize your own needs and desires, resulting in unbalanced relationships where you receive more than you give.
• Difficulty with Compromise: The expectation of getting your way can make it hard to compromise or see another person's point of view. This differs from someone who is high in Agreeableness.
• Emotional Reactions: You may exhibit strong emotional reactions when your expectations aren't met, leading to arguments or relationship strain.
• Lack of Appreciation: A sense of deservedness can lead to a lack of appreciation for the efforts and contributions of others.
• Control Issues: You might attempt to control situations or people to ensure your needs are met, potentially harming trust and closeness. This can be seen in conjunction with the trait of Dominance.

Personal Growth

Addressing the trait of entitlement is a journey of self-awareness and understanding. It involves a shift in perspective. If you want to move away from these feelings of entitlement, consider the following:

• Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflecting on the good things in your life and appreciating what you have can diminish the feeling of deserving more.
• Cultivate Empathy: Try to understand the perspectives and feelings of others. Seek to understand, rather than to be understood.
• Challenge Your Thoughts: Question your beliefs about deserving special treatment or advantages. Ask yourself if your expectations are realistic.
• Embrace Humility: Acknowledge that you are not superior to others and that everyone deserves respect and consideration. Remember the ideas of Fairness and Morality.
• Focus on Contribution: Shift your focus from what you feel you deserve to what you can contribute to others and your community.