As employees, do yourself a big career favour and be on the other side of this coin. Instead, venture strides ahead in avoiding such behaviours and career derailers!
What is entitlement:
The belief you are inherently or more deserving of special privileges and rights. Psychologists define entitlement as a personality trait and learned behaviour, which can also be unlearned by definition.
Entitled individuals believe they deserve more than others and feel an increased sense of ‘right’ (no matter the rules or norms) and when it is not achieved, they are negative, disappointed, and angry.
What it looks like in the workforce:
Co-workers claiming acknowledgment for ideas, work, or projects where their contribution has been very little or none at all; asking for assistance when they are really asking for someone else to do their work for them; not putting in the same level of effort as everyone else, salary increases simply for being present in a role, booking annual leave without consideration of others, expecting others to pick up the workload because of their commitments; family, sport, study, etc.
Team members (co-workers) may often find themselves walking on eggshells with these individuals, who also tend to blame others often for their own mistakes, don’t take feedback graciously, and are prone to take things personally.
In addition, this trait usually leads to increased arguments, defensive behaviour, and sometimes emotional outbursts. Simply put, they are not great with team-play and may be distractive to other co-workers when their expectations are not met.
Unfortunately, when entitlement prevails, humility is banished, and that doesn’t provide for harmonious and effective relationships. Great interpersonal skills and entitlement do not often go together.
What does it feel like:
If you are on the receiving end of entitled behaviour, you may be feeling disregarded, ignored, dismissed, and belittled. If you have received feedback that you may be entitled to, it’s important to note and understand how your colleagues may be feeling. You will undoubtedly struggle to get ahead in your career if your behaviour is considered entitled.
As there are degrees/levels of entitlement from mild to inflamed/grave, individuals can also be innovative, intelligent, educated, and totally brilliant. It is essential to remember that their specialness and thus entitlement is not about what they do but who they think they are.
What causes entitlement:
Here is the best news. Often people are not aware they are behaving in an entitled way. They might view themselves as being assertive and think they are operating appropriately.
This is where leaders with great people skills can peel back the layers in uncovering entitlement for what it is, and that’s often centred around a lack of maturity, insecurity, or a need that is not being served for either party.