The San Francisco Chronicle story today on Crusade Against the Jerk at Work has provoked a delightful -- and sometimes troubling -- deluge of emails from a lot of people who have been victimized by assholes and a few who plead guilty to being assholes. One of my favorites came from a wine importer who explained how they deal with demeaning customers:
"In my business, we have a rule that says that a customer can either be an arsehole (I'm English originally) or a late pay, but not both. We have reduced stress considerably by excluding some customers on this basis."
The book talks about how one of cost of being a jerk is that customers start charging "asshole taxes" that the bully or brute may not even realize are happening. This is a great example.
It's great that corporate America may come to recognize this, but what about those of us in the public sector, who work with assholes that can't be fired?
I am a public school teacher who has been harassed by a co-worker, and watched her do the same to others (who have since left). I just gave notice myself. My union cannot help, an employment lawyer wasn't any help, and my boss can't fire the lady....
Posted by: Karen Fox | February 24, 2007 at 09:02 PM
Hi Professor Sutton,
I'm a Stanford grad and a tutor for your friends, the Dietrichs--I just want to thank you for writing this book because, as a young professional, it helps me to remember what the working world SHOULD be about and will help me remember that I don't need to change the nice parts of myself to be successful in the long run. I look forward to getting through the rest of the book! Take care.
Posted by: Nicole | February 24, 2007 at 05:20 PM
great article in the Chron. Some office workers need these
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/401344672_b36eda61a1_m.jpg
Posted by: spring | February 24, 2007 at 05:08 PM