How do you handle a candidate with a large ego?

I had a highly qualified candidate interview with my client about 2 1/2 weeks ago. My client wanted to hire my candidate on the spot (don't you love when that happens?). My candidate let myself and my client know that he has 2 pending offers on the table and would like to wait to see the outcome and should know within 3 weeks. My client still really wants to hire my candidate and is growing impatient. The problem is my candidate has a very large ego and is trying to "run the show". I really want my candidate to accept the offer from my client (obviously). What is the best way to go about handling my candidate and speeding this process along without offending him and/or losing him altogether?

Comment by Bill Schultz on August 6, 2012 at 5:45pm: i"A legend's only a lonely boy when he goes home alone"- Carly Simon

Comment by Bill Schultz on August 6, 2012 at 6:03pm: Btw, Sandra- Horse world has long sayings. ;p

Comment by Sandra McCartt on August 7, 2012 at 2:01am: Yes it does and that was the short form. Would it surprise you that horse people talk a lot? :)

Comment by Bill Schultz on August 7, 2012 at 12:38pm: I've noticed that about spandex people (bikers) as well. Are you glued to the dressage event this morning?

Comment by Sandra McCartt on August 7, 2012 at 8:27pm: If the olympic equestrian events would come on at some time other than 4:00 AM i could get some sleep and quit sitting up all night in my top hat waiting for them to come on. Britain showed the Germans how it's done for the first time in the history of the world. The horses that are winning are lighter and happier than they have been in years. Love it.

Comment by Bill Schultz on August 7, 2012 at 10:51pm: sitting up all night in my top hat

visual of the week!

Comment by Sandra McCartt on August 8, 2012 at 3:13pm: True story. I also ride in a top hat with a sunflower stuck in a glitz hatband. One sits up straighter balancing a top hat.

Arianne, do you have any word yet on who your legend has decided to grace with his presence?

Comment by Andres Traslavina on August 9, 2012 at 8:49am: One of the themes of #Talent we study is #EGO. Having a strong ego is very positive. Think about some of the best athletes in the world. Do they have large EGOS? If the goal is to beat everybody else do you want them on your team? Top performers are difficult to retain. The employer needs to invest in them and recognize people individually for their performance. Now, EGO is not being arrogant or self-centered. Strong Ego comes with self confidence, having a competitive drive and a clear understanding on my own strengths and weaknesses. If that is his case, recognize them and ensure to profile the company as a world class organization (If they are.)

Comment by Peter Ceccarelli on August 9, 2012 at 5:11pm: Ego is arrogance and self centered behavior. It's not acceptable at any level. Ego should never be considered "strong". It's not. Self confidence and a sense of who you are and what makes you successful is the key. If arrogance or grandiose statements like "I'm a legend" pop up, then run for the hills. Can you imagine working with someone like that. Confident people do not have to talk about their talents so other's "get them". They just do it and if you're insightful you'll figure out what makes them successful and then apply the lesson. Pretty simple to do in my opinion. I screen OUT egos when recruiting for my company. They don't fit. And if they do get past the screening process and get hired, they usually don't last very long because no one wants to work with them. There is a HUGE difference.

Comment by Arianne Bachove on August 9, 2012 at 5:16pm: I felt I should update everyone on Mr. Ego. He has decided to accept the other offer he had on the table. The position I was offering required being on call 2 weekends per month and he was trying to negotiate with myself and the physician to only do 1 on call weekend per month. So, my position wasn't going to be a match anyway. I have a feeling he wouldn't have stayed long regardless. In the end, he was very polite and appreciative of my services.