5

HOW TO ENGAGE THE BRAGGART

None are so empty as those who are full of themselves.

—BENJAMIN WHICHOT

Braggarts perceive themselves in an idealized way. They imagine others see them in the same way, and they are usually not aware, or capable of understanding, that their narcissism, boasting, and retaliatory behavior are received as bullying. If the Braggart is an extreme narcissist, it may be very difficult to intervene, but by becoming familiar with a Braggart’s dynamic, which is usually repetitive, you can adroitly interrupt him during his one-way communication to redirect the conversation to a more collaborative one. Consider the answers to these questions before your meeting with the Braggart:

•   How does any conversation begin? Does it ...

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