14 Questions
What is narcissism, according to Webster's dictionary?
Egotism, egocentrism
Egotistic people are often eager to listen to others' input.
False
Why do people tend to root for a reformed jerk?
Because they feel relief and appreciation for the change
Reformed jerks inspire others to improve themselves.
True
Why do people with narcissistic tendencies often feel isolated?
Because they didn't receive enough love and attention as a child
What was the main reason why Anthony's public indiscretions were overlooked?
Because he excelled in his job and brought a lot of business into the company
Anthony was well-behaved and respected his colleagues' personal boundaries.
False
What is 'the nerd's revenge' referred to in the passage?
When someone hoards information to preserve their special status
Anthony was eventually disciplined for his behavior.
True
The company immediately fired Anthony after the incident.
False
Anthony was disciplined immediately after the groping incident.
False
Why did the company tend to overlook Anthony's public indiscretions?
Because he excelled in his job and brought in a lot of business
What is a common characteristic of people who think they are indispensable?
They feel smarter and better than others
Reformed individuals are often met with skepticism by others.
False
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.
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.
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