If you think somebody in your team is always the “idiot” you are the jerk.

Do you think there is someone in your team who is a perpetual idiot? Are you of the opinion that you are way better than the person in question? If so, you might be the one who others in the team look upon as a jerk. Fortunately, identifying the problem (with you) and following a few simple remedial measures should hold you in good stead.

Why You Are the Jerk

Failing to appreciate others’ perspectives, having an air of superiority, treating supposed idiots as tools you can manipulate, or thinking of them as people you need to deal with instead of your peers, makes you, well, quite a jerk. This is because you fail not just at the emotional level but also intellectually. Consequently, it is you who is left wanting in these aspects. 

Signs of You Being a Jerk

The typical workplace jerk thinks of himself or herself as more important than his or her peers, and tries to exercise undue control on subordinates. Such employees tend to lend importance to the opinions and perspectives of those who are higher up the hierarchy ladder. If you feel someone is your team is always being an idiot, here are some other signs that you might want to watch out for and avoid:

• You are pushy and/or intrusive
• You are mean and/or disrespectful
• You refuse to look at his/her accomplishments
• You are not appreciative

If you find yourself whining or complaining about one or more employees, bear in mind that it never helps – and this applies in your personal life as well.

Signs That Your Peers Think You Are a jerk

If you keep looking down on anyone in your team, your coworkers probably already view you in bad light. Here are signs that might indicate it is happening.

• Your team members argue with you frequently
• They avoid you when possible
• The do not help you, and do not ask for your help
• You feel they are sarcastic and/or rude
• Their body language is negative
• They laugh at you, or snicker even when you are not trying to be funny
• Your success comes as a surprise to them

What You Need to Do

For starters, get rid of all the airs you have about yourself. Then, understand that the coworker you think of as an idiot might be inconsistently motivated or may simply not have the same priorities as you. In addition, some employees don’t go that extra mile in the absence of effective communication or recognition. Even if you are not in a position to bestow rewards, you can still highlight how the individual’s work is important to you, the team, and the organization. Just like you want your work to be acknowledged and appreciated, so do all others.

Conclusion

Viewing someone in your team as an idiot comes with no benefit. If anything, you might take on the role of being everyone’s fool yourself. If find yourself thinking you are better than someone at everything, it is time to take a step back and recalibrate your thoughts. Not only will the other person have positives you can look up to, identifying and working on your own flaws will help as well.

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