The Virtues of Assholes
Even though it is widely believed that assholes cause more harm than good, there's evidence suggesting that such behavior can sometimes be advantageous. This chapter explores the potential upsides of acting like an asshole, though these ideas are presented with caution due to their volatile nature.
Examples of Successful Assholes
Prominent figures like Steve Jobs are known for their demeaning behavior but also for their remarkable success. Jobs, despite being infamous for his tirades and tantrums, is acknowledged for his ability to inspire creativity and drive for perfection among his teams.
Gaining Personal Power and Stature
Powerful individuals often express anger and pride to gain influence and control. Studies show that:
- Anger can make leaders seem more competent.
- Subtle and explicit intimidation can help individuals ascend the hierarchy and maintain their status.
- Negative and unkind behavior can make people appear more intelligent and competent, despite making them less likable.
Intimidating Rivals
Assholes often use intimidation to dominate rivals. Historical and modern examples show that physical threats and psychological pressure are tactics employed by these individuals to maintain their positions.
Motivating Through Fear
Fear-driven performance can lead to high levels of output:
- Fear of punishment and public humiliation can motivate people to avoid failure.
- Historical leaders like General George S. Patton and scientists like James Watson utilized fear to drive performance.
- Effective assholes balance their demeaning behavior with occasional warmth and praise, amplifying the motivational impact of both.
Addressing Unfair or Clueless People
There are times when being temporarily nasty can be practical:
- Polite complaints and arguments might not always work. Strategic temper tantrums and nastiness can break through indifference or incompetence.
- Instances like dealing with lazy or inattentive customer service highlight the effectiveness of being temporarily assertive or antagonistic.
Key Lessons on Being an Effective Asshole
- Express Anger for Power: Use anger strategically rather than sadness to assert dominance.
- Intimidate Competitors: Adopt a fierce demeanor to psych out and degrade rivals.
- Alternate Praise and Wrath: Combine demeaning actions with moments of encouragement to heighten their effects.
- Form Toxic Tandems: Partner with someone more approachable to manage people while you play the bad cop.
- Reserve Nastiness for Critical Moments: Use hostile behavior sparingly and effectively to avoid losing control or becoming counterproductive.
The Downside and Self-Delusion of Assholes
Despite potential short-term gains, most assholes succeed despite, not because of, their behavior. They often suffer from delusions of effectiveness due to:
- Attribution Error: Misattributing their success to their nastiness rather than other factors.
- Power Grab vs. Leadership: Confusing the tactics for gaining power with those needed for effective leadership.
- Selective Reporting: Subordinates avoid giving bad news to avoid wrath, skewing assholes' perceptions.
- Superficial Compliance: People act correctly only when the asshole is watching, reverting once they're gone.
- Wrath Avoidance: Employees focus on defense rather than contributing to organizational success.
- Asshole Taxes: Outsiders charge premiums to work with assholes, often unbeknownst to them.
- Growing Enemy List: Creating enemies daily, who quietly wait for the right moment to retaliate.
Personal Stance and Conclusion
The author emphasizes that despite any potential advantages, enforcing the no asshole rule is crucial, both for personal well-being and organizational health. Compassionate and respectful work environments yield superior performance and foster long-term success. Assholes often delude themselves into thinking their vile ways are effective, but overwhelming evidence indicates that they undermine overall performance and morale. The author advocates for humane and dignified behavior in professional settings, as life is too short to be spent dealing with mean-spirited individuals.