The Secret to Dealing with an A$$hole at Work

Toxic work culture is everywhere, and plenty of data supports that. The likelihood that you have to work with an asshole is pretty good. But it’s also become the easy out for many because our perceptions are incredibly powerful. Blame, even if warranted, usually indicates a pattern. Each person has a choice to try to solve the culture problem or leave the culture problem behind in search of something better. But before you do jump ship, ask yourself this question: What if you were doing something that contributed to that asshole dynamic? Is that even a possibility?

The single most influential book I’ve ever read on the topic and have recommended many times is Leadership and Self-Deception by the Arbinger Institute. This book will challenge you to answer these questions. And if you feel after reading that book that you are not contributing to the issue – then you have your answer.

Note: I’m not talking about environments where the following behaviors are enabled: harassment, disrespect, or abuse. Those companies (and ones that are deliberately non-inclusive, unethical, cutthroat, and generally toxic) are asshole curators, and if you don’t feel safe, plan to leave.