If you've worked in Information Technology long enough you've run into this guy before. He's a genius of technology. Someone who really understands the big picture and how all the pieces fit together. As a manager you really value this person. They can fix any problem in a matter of minutes. And they make you look good to your boss. As a newbie you can rely on this person to help you better understand your environment. Where software repositories are located, how things work, things that will make you a more efficient worker. Beware, That Guy has a built-in flaw they will never be able to fix.
There is a dark side to That Guy you should be aware of. First, they don't share everything they know. They will keep the most critical information to themselves. They won't document much because they are too busy building and fixing things. His manager lets him get away without documenting because they value their progress too much. When new technology arrives they immediately stake claim to it. From installation to production, they own it. Sure, they will involve you when they need someone to do the dirty work. They may say they will help you work on it only to leave you stranded before a deadline. Then That Guy will complain about you publicly because he has to fix what you did wrong. Then he will laugh it off. It appears they are sharing but they really aren't. The core technology is theirs and nobody will pry it from their greedy hands. Not their co-workers or managers. Not even Directors. That Guy undermines your authority as a manager. As a manager you become his subordinate just like everyone else. That Guy never has been and never will be a true team player. That would require him to help others.
People are scared of That Guy. He calls you out in meetings for minor mistakes. Often says the word 'stupid' or complains about your mess. I say He but That Guy could also be That Lady. More often than not That Guy is a dude who is brilliant at what he does. Except he has little abilities to work well with others. That Guy is actually extremely insecure. He is also very selfish. It's all about him and will always be. Dig deeper and you'll find other warning signs of this sociopath. Are they passive aggressive? Yes, That Guy can turn lemons into lemonade when they need to. They may berate you in a meeting only to explain away their harsh sarcasm with a rally cry to get behind him and make the project a success. When cornered That Guy will deep dive into the technology, using complex terms where few can follow. That Guy is often very accusatory and overtly demeaning. Only then to laugh it off as a bad joke. They will often fall back on their expertise to persuade others why their plan is the only way and all other ideas are stupid. Others in the room understand that sinking feeling. Remember a Team will always be more productive than any one person.
How do you deal with That Guy? A study by Insead came out with a 40 page working research report on the subject. You have two choices. You can stay with the company but ask to be quietly moved to another department. This can be difficult when That Guy is the Director or higher up. Essentially you've hit the brakes on your career. Say goodbye to promotions and leadership opportunities. That Guy will always block your way. He will either manipulate others to not consider you for advancement or convincing others to "reorganize." That Guy will get promoted, you won't. Because management loves how That Guy makes them look good despite the damage it does to the team. The other choice you have is to leave the company despite 99% of the people at work are a joy to work with. You've made a lot of friends so this can be a very stressful time. Leaving a place where you put in so much effort is never easy. But you've got skills and another employer will hire you. Except, there's a good chance That Guy will be at your new place of employment too. They say there's one in every crowd and that's true. So when you meet That Guy at your new place of employment that's when you have to make the move to get away from him before he takes out his knives and sinks them into your back. Don't bother with an Ombudsman, HR, or your local Harassment office. Those offices exist only to protect the employer from any liability. There is little to nothing to protect you from That Guy at work. Employment law is there to protect the employer, not you. You'll save yourself a lot of frustration trying to "fix" the situation by avoiding a solution from the Employee Handbook. You're only viable options are to move to a different department or leave the company.
That Guy may be difficult to spot. They are often very nice on the outside while planning your demise behind their smile. How to Spot That Guy (from the Insead Study).
- Does s/he come across as too glib and too charming?
- Is s/he very self centered?
- Does s/he have a sense of grandiosity?
- Does s/he have a constant need for stimulation?
- Is s/he prone to boredom?
- Is s/he a chronic liar, even about minor issues?
- Is s/he cunning and manipulative?
- Does his/her behavior demonstrate a complete lack of remorse, shame or guilt?
- Is s/he characterized by shallow emotional experiences?
- Is s/he callous?
- Does s/he lack empathy?
- Is s/he extremely self-serving?
- Does s/he have a parasitic lifestyle?
- Does s/he see others as targets and opportunities?
- Does s/he have poor behavioral controls
- Can s/he act extremely irresponsibly?
- Is s/he very impulsive?
- Does s/he bend organizational systems and rules to their own advantage?
- Does the end always justify the means for him/her?
- Is s/he good at blaming others for their own mistakes?
- Does s/he have a strong sense of entitlement?
- Does s/he construct complex webs of lies?
- Does s/he have difficulty distinguishing fact from fiction?
- Does s/he like to exploit, abuse and exert power?
- Does s/he act as though “winning” is all that counts?
If you can answer yes to any/all of these questions on behalf of That Guy then you now know who you are dealing with. Funny thing is That Guy would only say yes to a few of these questions! If you said yes to the majority of those questions - then you're That Guy! Seek help!
Remember you have choices. Move to another department if that's an option. If not, update your resume and start looking. IT continues to be very hot in most job markets (see San Francisco/NYC/DC/Denver/Dallas 2015). Your talents are very much in demand. Don't jeopardize your career getting stuck behind some sociopath with an MBA. Aim higher and keep pushing for that job that engages you. Keep looking until you find that position. It may be within your company now. If not seek a position at another company. Or, if you are a rock star at what you do, consider starting your own business.
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