How Can You Be so Dumb?

Robert Sutton’s book, The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t, points to a second critical role for a coach.  People, even bright and talented ones, frequently do really stupid things that are shipwrecking their success.

Why would anyone think that being a jerk at work is a good idea?  But we all know people who just can’t seem help themselves.  There are people who stand so close to you that they make you feel creepy.  Others are always talking about themselves.  Some like to use their power to bully people around.

Why do smart people do such stupid things?  That is a mystery but it is clear that someone needs to help them see what they are doing and to teach them to stop.  This is the role of a coach.

It can be difficult to tell someone when they come out of the restroom that their fly is down, but it is always a favor to do so.  A good coach speaks to you from a place of respect and helpfulness.  He has your best interest at heart.  He wants to help you get where you want to do.  It is in that spirit that he can tell you what you need to hear even if it isn’t comfortable.

It is only when people can see and own what they need to change that they can begin the work of changing it.  I wonder what you might be doing that is getting in your way?

Take 10 minutes to list some of the stupid things you do.  If you can’t come up with any, consider asking 5 people who work with you.