Sonia McDonald* says there are certain individuals who spread fear and disruption through the workplace and have to be managed until they can be disposed of.
It was early in my human resources career and I was so excited to land a dream role.
That dream came crashing down as soon as I set foot in my new office when I met someone in the team.
Immediately I could see her aggression and bullish tactics.
Then everyone started warning me about her. She had been with the company for a very long time and everyone was too scared to get rid of her. I couldn’t believe it.
She was a jerk and I don’t say that lightly as she did everything she could to bully and undermine everyone around her.
Eventually after two years she was performance managed out by our new Human Resources Director.
There were three before her that didn’t manage it and it caused havoc.
How could someone in a senior role who behaved and ‘led’ like that not be performance managed, coached or let go sooner?
I see this more often than not and it is dreadful and debilitating for people, teams and businesses.
I always say the behaviour you walk past is the behaviour you accept.
The Jerk: They are real. They are out there. We have worked with them, for them and lead them.
For whatever reason provenance has deemed necessary, there will often be that one person no amount of coaching, kindness or compassion will reach.
These narcissistic jerks cause disruption, anxiety, pressure, and even hostile work environments no matter what others may do.
If you have someone in your work arena that fits this description, don’t panic.
There are steps you can take to ensure a smoother, though not ideal, working relationship that gets the results you need.
It simply is a matter of recognising that not all workmates are created equal, and this one just needs to be handled in a more demanding way.
It’s not about you, it’s about them, remember this.
Only you hold the power over your thoughts and actions.
One tactic workplace jerks take on to forward their own narcissism is to bully other employees into discrediting their own work.
You are the expert in the field and recognise your work has great value and substance.
So when the workplace jerk starts knocking it down, realise you have more fruitful avenues for peer review.
Seek out those around you who you trust and garner their opinion.
Often times you will discover the negative critiques were simply that — negative.
It is often uncomfortable to discuss just about anything with a demanding jerk in the workplace, but shutting down lines of communication is not the answer.
When having to collaborate with such a personality, speak clearly and concisely about your topic.
Be aware that a narcissist needs to feel in control, and they may well try to drive the communication into a light that makes them look better.
This is done by introducing red herrings into the conversation — don’t fall prey to dead end roads. Stick to the point at hand and move along.
In turn, the jerk might be dealing with something you are unaware of.
Nine times out of 10 their behaviour might not be about you or work but something personal.
Remember to check in, show empathy and ask if they are okay too. Always be kind no matter how they are behaving.
If the office jerk is offensive, bullying, or entering the realm of harassment, you don’t have to take one for the team and excuse the behaviour.
Recognise their actions affect not only your work environment, but also the business image and fluidity as a whole.
Report negative behaviour immediately to a supervisor or the human resources leader for resolution.
Understand that this has nothing to do with anything you have done.
Negative personalities such as the workplace jerk reduce productivity and job satisfaction.
Making others aware of the disruption to business will ensure actions are taken immediately to correct the situation.
It must be dealt with immediately as the longer you leave it, the more it can and will affect your business, people and bottom line.
*Sonia McDonald is the Chief Executive and founder of Brisbane-based LeadershipHQ and McDonald Inc. She can be contacted at soniamcdonald.com.au.
This article first appeared on LinkedIn.
