Toxic workers drag us down, so why do we promote them?
The most dangerous worker, lurking in plain sight, is the competent jerk.
SAY you’re looking for a new deputy, and you know a guy named John.
John has a great track record for delivering projects ahead of schedule, within budgets, and to a high standard. He says intelligent things in boardrooms, which are completely aligned with your vision.
Sure, his colleagues say he has a ‘certain reputation’. For some reason, they say this in hushed tones, with the frantic eyes and studiously blank features of victims in a hostage situation. But they don’t elaborate, and you never probe. You can’t make omelettes without cracking a few eggs, right?
KEYWORDS IN THIS ARTICLE
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Working Life
Gender stereotypes mean flexi-work rules can turn into boon or burden for women
London firms are letting more staff work entirely from home: survey
What is meaningful work? A philosopher’s view
Latest victim of diversity backlash – your workplace affinity group
More adults are being diagnosed as neurodivergent. Here is how employers can help in the workplace
Guidelines on non-competes should propose compensation, target profiles and exceptions