Choosing suitable employees for an organization presents a multifaceted and challenging endeavor that necessitates thorough assessment, regardless of how brilliant or qualified they seem.
Arianna Huffington, the founder and CEO of Thrive Global and author of fifteen books, follows a strict rule when it comes to hiring: "Brilliant jerks are not allowed."
Huffington often advises clients to avoid toxic prospective employees, regardless of their intelligence or talent, and never hesitate to fire them immediately if hired accidentally. Top performers who undermine colleagues create a detrimental atmosphere for the culture, hindering people from performing at their best and stifling creativity.
Identifying toxic individuals in the early stages, such as during the first encounter, is challenging. While there is no foolproof method, many toxic people display early warning signs that can help you recognize them.
1. They Share Private Information
Brilliant jerks often enjoy sharing confidential information as a means of controlling conversations. While engaging in their toxic gossip might be tempting, the detrimental effects may not be immediately apparent. If a coworker initiates a conversation about spilling a secret, it could be a warning sign that you are dealing with a brilliant yet toxic jerk.
2. They Bring Up Constant Negativity
When discussing a new project, a colleague who consistently fixates on potential pitfalls without acknowledging opportunities raises a red flag. Their tendency to be negative, complain without offering solutions, and see problems in everything indicates toxicity. One approach to managing this is to maintain professionalism by politely excusing yourself from the conversation and seeking assistance from HR or your manager if needed.
3. They Love to Control Others
Brilliant jerks often exhibit controlling behavior, resist delegation and cooperation, and display territorial tendencies. When you suggest a new approach, they insist on maintaining control and doing things their way, hindering creativity and collaboration. Engaging in power struggles with control freaks is unproductive. Instead, setting clear boundaries and avoiding getting entangled in their controlling dynamics is advisable.
4. They Stand Out
Brilliant jerks often stand out due to their exceptional abilities, such as being taller, stronger, or louder than others. They may also draw attention to themselves through their attire or behaviors, such as consistently arriving late, being the first to speak on any topic, or making decisions even when it is not their responsibility. Regardless of the method, they find ways to be memorable and overshadow those around them.
5. They Seek Positions of Power
Brilliant jerks often seek positions of power within their team or organization that can give them prominence, such as being a spokesperson or leading presentations. If they do not obtain these roles, they might undermine the talents, authority, and contributions of others to assert their dominance.
It is crucial to recognize that displaying certain behaviors does not automatically label someone as irredeemably toxic. People can change, and addressing these behaviors can lead to positive transformations. Nonetheless, being aware of the signs of "brilliant jerk" behavior can aid in identifying and filtering out such individuals efficiently and helps safeguard the healthy dynamics of the workplace, preventing potential damage.
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