Tessa West

Tessa West, a professor of psychology and author of "Jerks at Work," dives into the seven types of workplace jerks: the kiss-up/kick-downer, credit stealer, bulldozer, free rider, micromanager, neglectful boss, and gaslighter. She provides insights into their behaviors and discusses how they disrupt team dynamics. Tessa highlights strategies for dealing with each type, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and conflict resolution skills. Her research-backed advice offers listeners practical tools to navigate these challenging personalities at work.

In this conversation, Tessa West, an NYU psychology professor and author renowned for studying workplace dynamics, discusses the subtle danger of frenemies in professional settings. She reveals how these seemingly friendly colleagues can undermine your confidence and career. Tessa emphasizes the importance of consistency over kindness and shares behavioral cues to watch for discomfort and distrust. Listeners learn how to collect data on workplace relationships and address the challenges posed by 'nice' colleagues who may actually be obstacles.

Tessa West, a social psychology professor at NYU and author of "Jerks at Work", dives into the seven types of workplace jerks, including the micromanager and the gaslighter. She emphasizes the importance of conflict management skills for navigating toxic dynamics. The discussion reveals that these jerks often harm themselves too. Tessa shares tips on handling credit theft and ensuring your contributions are recognized. Furthermore, she highlights the need for building social connections to combat workplace challenges and avoid becoming a jerk yourself.