Seems obvious that you wouldn’t want to pin your career hopes on the coattails of a jerk. Problem is, jerks often get promoted and, as we know, good guys finish last.
But eventually, jerk behavior turns against its creator, and you don’t want to be near one when the tide turns. No one offers a helping hand to a falling sleazebag.
Luckily for all of us, jerks are bad decision makers, says Tom Davenport writing on Harvard Business Publishing. This is their ultimate undoing.
“Jerks tend to think their own perspectives are the only ones worth considering, but good decisions require serious consideration of alternatives. Jerks think they’re never wrong, but good decisions require acknowledging and learning from mistakes. Jerks are consumed with petty resentments and grievances, but good decisions require clear-headed, objective thinking. Jerks alienate other people, but good decisions require collaboration across a social network.”
Remember this the next time you are tempted by the smarmy smile of a fast-rising meathead. Then take a nice guy or gal to lunch.
Have you worked for jerks? Of course you have! Did they get what was coming to them in the end? How did you deal?
