Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nicole Bohe on June 5, 2011 at 5:16pm

I agree that we have all worked with those who have passed the test, both prongs, with flying colors. I differ in your "enthusiasm" in working with such people.

 

I absolutely agree with how you mention we fall into traps into almost excusing ***hole behavior by claiming "that's how he/she is." Have you also experienced when people say how mean/bullying someone is but then they'll say "oh but he/she is so smart, he has a degree in (blank)." I'm always thinking - how do those things connect? Because he/she majored in some field or got an advanced degree they can be an ***hole? I've heard it more than once and each time it baffles me.

 

But in the same respect, it is easier to excuse the behavior as labeling the person an ***hole and moving on with your life. It's hard to think you can change the circumstances or even that person. It's probably even worse now days with the fear in the job market. I bet people are putting up with a lot more than they would have a few years ago.

Permalink Reply by Jeff Thompson on June 5, 2011 at 8:46pm

Btw- sorry I posted the original post under the admin user name when it was supposed to be under me.

 

Oops- I hope it doesn't make me an *sshole!

 

:)

Permalink Reply by Nicole Bohe on June 5, 2011 at 8:51pm

Haha. I was wondering who was writing under the Werner Institute name! I guessed it was Bryan or maybe even Theresa. No worries.

Jeff Thompson said:

Btw- sorry I posted the original post under the admin user name when it was supposed to be under me.

 

Oops- I hope it doesn't make me an *sshole!

 

:)

Permalink Reply by Matthew J Starman on June 6, 2011 at 12:08am

Being in sales for the past three years, I feel it is way too easy to fall for the "ends justify the means" slogan. It is too easy to equate the end sales numbers to the process by which it was achieved. In many cases, the assholes in sales seem to do really well for a short amount of time. Others see this and can't help but think they may need to imitate their actions to get the same results. However, after being there three years, it was the true non-assholes that succeed long-term. Those same employees seem to breed a culture of non-assholes that brings with it better sales, worker stability, and a generally good working experience.

 

I enjoyed what Sutton found soon after the assholes were let go from an organization. Many times they wished they would have let them go much earlier. I think that speaks volumes on the effect assholes have on an organization.

Permalink Reply by Lynsee Swisher on June 6, 2011 at 8:15pm

Hi Nicole.

You make a great point about our economy and people putting up with these type of people in the workplace. I would like to hear from you (or anyone:) Do you think employers are putting up with them or more willing to fire jerks, as jobs are more limited and the job pool larger. Do you think these so called people recognize the kind of economy that we live in, therefore behave better, or does it matter?

 

Lynsee

 

Nicole Bohe said:

I agree that we have all worked with those who have passed the test, both prongs, with flying colors. I differ in your "enthusiasm" in working with such people.

 

I absolutely agree with how you mention we fall into traps into almost excusing ***hole behavior by claiming "that's how he/she is." Have you also experienced when people say how mean/bullying someone is but then they'll say "oh but he/she is so smart, he has a degree in (blank)." I'm always thinking - how do those things connect? Because he/she majored in some field or got an advanced degree they can be an ***hole? I've heard it more than once and each time it baffles me.

 

But in the same respect, it is easier to excuse the behavior as labeling the person an ***hole and moving on with your life. It's hard to think you can change the circumstances or even that person. It's probably even worse now days with the fear in the job market. I bet people are putting up with a lot more than they would have a few years ago.

Permalink Reply by Lynsee Swisher on June 6, 2011 at 8:20pm

Hi Matt.

 

I was wondering what your thoughts are on the sales field and these certified assholes. It seems to me that the sales industry has more of these type of people. Would you agree? If so, why do you think it is? If not, are these people in every organization and I somehow may have biases from working in that field myself. I also am curious to know how the certified jerks went away after a few years, did they just leave or were they forced to leave because of their behavior?

 

Lynsee

 

Matthew J Starman said:

Being in sales for the past three years, I feel it is way too easy to fall for the "ends justify the means" slogan. It is too easy to equate the end sales numbers to the process by which it was achieved. In many cases, the assholes in sales seem to do really well for a short amount of time. Others see this and can't help but think they may need to imitate their actions to get the same results. However, after being there three years, it was the true non-assholes that succeed long-term. Those same employees seem to breed a culture of non-assholes that brings with it better sales, worker stability, and a generally good working experience.

 

I enjoyed what Sutton found soon after the assholes were let go from an organization. Many times they wished they would have let them go much earlier. I think that speaks volumes on the effect assholes have on an organization.

Permalink Reply by Jeff Thompson on June 12, 2011 at 9:36pm

Matthew J Starman said:

...I enjoyed what Sutton found soon after the assholes were let go from an organization. Many times they wished they would have let them go much earlier. I think that speaks volumes on the effect assholes have on an organization.

 

 

Matt,

 

That's the thing- I think most, if not all, organizations think/say that, but it's getting them to actually do something about which seems to be the hard part!  

 

I think all to often the 'victims' don't know what to do or know their options and end up lumping it for many reasons (can't leave the job, feel embarrassed, he/she treats everyone like that, etc.)