a16z Podcast
a16z Podcast: The Asshole Survival Guide
Sep 13, 2017
Bob Sutton, a Stanford professor and the author of "The Asshole Survival Guide," joins Michael Dearing, founder of Harrison Metal, to tackle the realities of dealing with toxic individuals at work. They discuss strategies for identifying and managing "asshole" behaviors, including the role of empathy during layoffs and using humor as a coping mechanism. The duo also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in professional dynamics, shedding light on how to create healthier workplace environments.
34:33
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Quick takeaways
- Bob Sutton emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and context to effectively identify and manage asshole behavior in interpersonal dynamics.
- Coping strategies, such as humor and cognitive behavioral techniques, are vital for maintaining emotional resilience in toxic workplace environments.
Deep dives
The Inspiration Behind The Asshole Survival Guide
The discussion begins with Bob Sutton discussing the overwhelming response he received from readers of his previous book, The No Asshole Rule, which prompted him to write The Asshole Survival Guide. Readers shared personal stories detailing their experiences with difficult individuals, expressing a strong desire for strategies to cope with such behaviors. Sutton highlights a particularly challenging case involving a law clerk working for a federal judge, who was in a toxic environment yet felt trapped due to career implications if she quit. This scenario illustrates the necessity of finding coping mechanisms to maintain mental health and navigate toxic relationships effectively.
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