Okay, so you’re not the brilliant jerk; you’ve got your attitude in check and you’re bringing your best self to the table each day. Awesome. What happens, though, if you happen to work with someone who does qualify as a brilliant jerk?
Call. Them. Out. And then talk to a supervisor or boss or leader you trust.
Yes, it’ll be hard. Yes, you’ll probably feel uncomfortable. Yes, you might be like, “Well, it was one time…” or “I don’t want to get involved” or “This isn’t really my place.” And I encourage you to speak up anyway, not because it will necessarily get rid of the brilliant jerk or solve any related problems, but because it’s important for the long-term health of your career. When you craft the ability to identify a bad attitude, the next step is holding yourself and those around you accountable to showing up differently. That means being brave enough to say, “The way you’re speaking to me right now is unacceptable.” And “I don’t appreciate your tone; it’s rude and doesn’t help us solve the problem at hand or move this work forward.” And “Hey, Boss Lady/Man? I want you to know that So-and-So is repeatedly negative in a certain situation, and it’s preventing our team from doing our best work.” By speaking up and showing up, you’re representing your values through boundaries. One of my biggest regrets from that experience I shared at the start of this challenge is the fact that I stayed silent the vast majority of the time; I was too scared to confront the jerk in the office, and it consequently took a toll on my self-confidence and self-worth. Don’t do the same. Speak up.