Posted under Career Management on June 25th, 2007
Stanford University Professor Robert I. Sutton recently published a very interesting book. More than likely you won’t find the title in any print publications (well, except for the book itself) because the title is, well…it’s very descriptive. Most individuals can probably think of at least one person they work with now or in the past that fits the title. 
Professor Sutton theorized that it might be good for organizations to keep a token individual around just to show the other employees how not to behave. However, since writing the book, he cited more recent evidence showing even one of these people in an organization could produce a downward spiral. It’s the “one bad apple can spoil the bunch” routine.
According to Sutton, the consequences to an organization may include:
- Anger management and other training to reform bad behavior
- Legal costs for inside and outside counsel
- Settlement fees and successful litigation by victims and the perpetrators
- Compensation for internal and external consultants, executive coaches, and therapists
- Health insurance costs
So, how do you spot one of these individuals? Sutton lists examples of their common everyday behavior:
- Personal insults
- Invading personal space
- Uninvited physical contact
- Threats and intimidation, both verbal and nonverbal
- Sarcastic jokes and teasing used as insult delivery systems
- Withering e-mail flames
- Status slaps intended to humiliate their victims
- Public shaming or status degradation rituals
- Rude interruptions
- Two-faced attacks
- Dirty looks
- Treating people as if they are invisible
Are you one of them? Take this quiz to find out. Read the questions carefully and answer truthfully. If you’re like me, you might find that you are not a “certified” individual, but might be on the borderline. If so, pick up the book – and try not to let the title offend you.
Posted by Michele Haffner
Print This Post