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Case Study
Dealing with Difficult Genius Types: How to Avoid the 'A**hole Genius' at Work
April 11, 2023
It's common knowledge by now that being a jerk is a prerequisite for making it big in some companies. Enter the "asshole genius" - the talented worker who thinks they're better than everyone else.
Unfortunately, this kind of behavior is all too common in the business world. Bosses often turn a blind eye and simply care about getting results, regardless of how their employees treat each other. But let's be honest, this "be a jerk to get ahead" mentality is just a vicious cycle. It's like the saying goes, "Be the change you want to see in the world." It's time to break the cycle and put an end to the reign of the asshole genius.
We need to start by recognizing that being a genius doesn't give anyone a free pass to be a jerk. Being brilliant doesn't mean you get to treat people poorly. And employers need to start using skill tests to weed out the insufferable savants before they even get in the door.
Employers and employees should work together to create a better work culture where talent and kindness aren't mutually exclusive. Because in the end, no one wants to work with a brilliant but insufferable colleague.
Okay, so how can we describe an asshole genius?
So, you know those people who are crazy talented but also who always think they're the bee's knees? Yeah, we call them "asshole geniuses" or "insufferable geniuses".
These are the folks who are good at what they do but also think they're better than everyone else and act like total entitled jerks. You know, the ones who make you roll your eyes every time they open their mouths.
Sure, some of them may be innovative and have mad skills, but their abrasive behavior can make them a pain in the butt to work with. So next time you come across one of these "asshole geniuses", you'll know exactly what to call them.
These people tend to be in charge and love to make their opinions known but at the cost of belittling and traumatizing their coworkers. We're not talking about the occasional grumpy mood here, we all have those. We mean the kind of people who make it a hobby to put others down.
And get this, not all of them are geniuses. Some are just average Joes who think they're better than everyone else. It's called the Dunning-Kruger effect, and it's pretty wild. Unfortunately, these jerks seem to be everywhere in the world. You've probably run into one (or ten) yourself.
And now you’re probably wondering: what kind of behaviors do these so-called geniuses have?
There's a book out there called "The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't" by Robert I. Sutton, and it's got some interesting insights on defining an asshole in the workplace.
First off, does this person make you feel like garbage after talking to them? Do they constantly put you down and make you feel small? If yes, then they might be an asshole.
Secondly, do they pick on people who are weaker or less powerful than them? That's another sign that you might be dealing with a certified jerk.
If you're dealing with someone who fits these descriptions, you might have an asshole genius on your hands.
But the important thing here is: what kind of impact does this genius have on the company?
Not to sound too dramatic, but they can be a real disaster, and not just for the poor souls who have to deal with them directly. This one jerk's behavior can tank the morale, engagement, and productivity of everyone around them.
And get this, their presence can even lead to lower retention and loyalty. Yup, people will be jumping ship left and right, and the ones who stick around will be miserable and unproductive.
If you let this behavior slide, you're saying it's okay to be a jerk at work. And that's not a good look for anyone. If you're one of those employers who think that "results are all that matters," well, the results are high turnover, disengagement, and reduced creativity. Do you want that for your company? ‘Course not.
So what should we do with these people in the workplace? We need to stop accepting asshole geniuses as a normal part of life.
Don't you just hate it when people say "You gotta be an asshole to get ahead"? It's like being a jerk is a requirement for success these days. Our culture (in society and the workplace) actually rewards this kind of behavior, which is pretty messed up if you ask me.
And let's not forget all those examples of mean people in high places. It seems like being an asshole is practically a prerequisite for success these days. Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk - they all have a reputation for being brilliant, but they're also known for their toxic behavior. But here's the thing - their genius doesn't excuse their awfulness.
Unfortunately, too many people still believe that being a jerk is just part of being creative and innovative. Well, we’re here to tell you that it's not. We need to separate these two things and stop making excuses for bad behavior in the name of success.
How skills tests can help eliminate asshole geniuses and promote a positive workplace culture
You gotta look beyond just technical skills and qualifications. That's where skills-based hiring comes in. Sure, you can teach someone how to code or operate a machine, but you can't teach them how to be a decent human being. And let's be real, no one wants to work with an asshole genius who brings everyone down.
That's why Destaney Wishon, the boss lady at BetterAMS, warns against prioritizing skills over positivity. A toxic attitude can poison your workplace and take a toll on your mental health. That's where skills testing comes in handy. It helps you identify the crucial personality and attitude traits that can make or break your team.
No more relying on bland resumes that say nothing about a person's soft skills or character. It's time to hire for the whole package!
It's time to bid farewell to the asshole genius as a workplace norm…
These genius jerks negatively impact everyone around them, from performance and morale to retention rates. But it doesn't have to be this way.
The People & Culture leaders can put an end to this toxic cycle by taking a stand, coaching bad behavior, and hiring positive individuals.
Skills testing is key to hiring the right candidates and building a healthy company culture. Don't rely on outdated methods that let the asshole genius thrive; focus on skills, personality, and attitude to create a psychologically safe and productive environment.
Let's break free from the traditional, certification-focused approach and build a better corporate world, one positive hire at a time.
Sources:
Content Creator & Media Producer. The official voice of Athyna.
