Ego Games - The Put-Down Game

PROLOGUE
Ego Games

All Ego Games are designed to make the player feel smarter, better, or more special than other people. Some games require a victim, while others just allow the players to puff themselves up a bit. Most Ego Game players are actually masking strong feelings of insecurity or inferiority.

The Put-Down Game:

“You’re obviously an idiot, so I must be brilliant.”
Put-Down Games require a player and at least one target. These players are pathetic little souls who can only feel good about themselves by making someone else feel stupid or inept. They specialize in sarcasm and criticism, making biting remarks that are unnecessary and hurtful.

The Emotional Payoff: “By demonstrating my superiority over others, I can feel less inferior myself.”

Pitfalls for Players:

• Put-Down Games quickly produce resentful and angry adversaries.
• With their constant belittling of others, these players actually appear insecure instead of superior.

Countermoves: Because they are widely known as chronic complainers, Put-Down players are often politically impotent. But they are most unpleasant to be around, so avoiding them is a wise stress management strategy.

Don’t give them what they want: Watching you tremble is most rewarding to a Put-Down player, so maintain a self-confident appearance. Always respond calmly to any assaults. Or just give them a dismissive look and continue with what you were saying.

Minimize contact: Why set yourself up for target practice? You should only interact with these attackers when you have no other choice. If you are unfortunate enough to work for a Put-Down player, then just remember that it’s your boss who’s the moron, not you – and find another job as soon as possible.

Get other opinions: Never evaluate your own work by the reactions of a Put-Down player. Find some mentally healthy people who can provide a more balanced and rational view.

The End of the Game: This game only ends when one of you leaves. Put-Down specialists seldom change.

EPILOGUE

Let every person know that they matter. At times it can be done quite simply... really.

Cartoon Copyright : Original Artist - Mike Baldwin
Article Adapted from : Secrets to Winning at Office Politics