Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is narcissism, according to Webster's dictionary?
What is narcissism, according to Webster's dictionary?
Egotistic people are often eager to listen to others' input.
Egotistic people are often eager to listen to others' input.
False
Why do people tend to root for a reformed jerk?
Why do people tend to root for a reformed jerk?
Reformed jerks inspire others to improve themselves.
Reformed jerks inspire others to improve themselves.
Signup and view all the answers
Why do people with narcissistic tendencies often feel isolated?
Why do people with narcissistic tendencies often feel isolated?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the main reason why Anthony's public indiscretions were overlooked?
What was the main reason why Anthony's public indiscretions were overlooked?
Signup and view all the answers
Anthony was well-behaved and respected his colleagues' personal boundaries.
Anthony was well-behaved and respected his colleagues' personal boundaries.
Signup and view all the answers
What is 'the nerd's revenge' referred to in the passage?
What is 'the nerd's revenge' referred to in the passage?
Signup and view all the answers
Anthony was eventually disciplined for his behavior.
Anthony was eventually disciplined for his behavior.
Signup and view all the answers
The company immediately fired Anthony after the incident.
The company immediately fired Anthony after the incident.
Signup and view all the answers
Anthony was disciplined immediately after the groping incident.
Anthony was disciplined immediately after the groping incident.
Signup and view all the answers
Why did the company tend to overlook Anthony's public indiscretions?
Why did the company tend to overlook Anthony's public indiscretions?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common characteristic of people who think they are indispensable?
What is a common characteristic of people who think they are indispensable?
Signup and view all the answers
Reformed individuals are often met with skepticism by others.
Reformed individuals are often met with skepticism by others.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Indispensable Employees
- A senior human resources manager sought help to address a situation with Anthony, a charismatic executive who headed the company's flagship unit and produced most of the revenue.
- Despite his excellent job performance, Anthony was high-maintenance and had a history of public indiscretions, including groping a staffer at a company party.
Characteristics of Indispensable Employees
- They are often very talented, highly praised, or possess rare skills.
- They may be hands-down brilliant or hoard information to maintain their special status.
- Narcissism, defined as egotism and egocentrism, can make them feel indispensable.
Consequences of Indispensable Behavior
- Indulging in such behavior undermines leadership, even for highly skilled individuals.
- It can lead to ignoring workplace rules and personal boundaries.
- Eventually, their behavior can catch up with them, leading to consequences like job loss.
Overcoming a Sense of Indispensability
- It often takes a significant event, like a "slap upside the head," for individuals to recognize their problem.
- To get past thinking you are indispensable, you must want to change and recognize your imperfections.
- Reformation can lead to gaining admiration and inspiring others to improve.
Action Steps
- Perform a "jerkectomy" on yourself by identifying irreplaceable tasks and people who can do them.
- Acknowledge and apologize for behaviors that have negatively impacted others.
- Seek honest feedback from someone who can help you break the habit of being a jerk.
Indispensable Employees
- A senior human resources manager sought help to address a situation with Anthony, a charismatic executive who headed the company's flagship unit and produced most of the revenue.
- Despite his excellent job performance, Anthony was high-maintenance and had a history of public indiscretions, including groping a staffer at a company party.
Characteristics of Indispensable Employees
- They are often very talented, highly praised, or possess rare skills.
- They may be hands-down brilliant or hoard information to maintain their special status.
- Narcissism, defined as egotism and egocentrism, can make them feel indispensable.
Consequences of Indispensable Behavior
- Indulging in such behavior undermines leadership, even for highly skilled individuals.
- It can lead to ignoring workplace rules and personal boundaries.
- Eventually, their behavior can catch up with them, leading to consequences like job loss.
Overcoming a Sense of Indispensability
- It often takes a significant event, like a "slap upside the head," for individuals to recognize their problem.
- To get past thinking you are indispensable, you must want to change and recognize your imperfections.
- Reformation can lead to gaining admiration and inspiring others to improve.
Action Steps
- Perform a "jerkectomy" on yourself by identifying irreplaceable tasks and people who can do them.
- Acknowledge and apologize for behaviors that have negatively impacted others.
- Seek honest feedback from someone who can help you break the habit of being a jerk.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz is about a situation where a high-maintenance executive needs to be removed from a key position in a company. It deals with leadership, management, and HR issues.
