Abrasive personality

By

Gagan Varshney

Department of Business Administration

Aligarh Muslim University

Harry Levinson

Well known author

President of Levinson

Institute

Lecturer at Harvard

University

Article published in 1978

Contents

Defining Abrasive Personality

Example of Darrel Sandstorm

Dilemma

Profile of abrasive person and Consequences

Origin of Abrasive Personality

Its Solution

Other problem situations

Who is Abrasive Person ?

good worker, but extremely ambitious in nature.

pushing himself to achieve perfection.

such person seems to puzzle, dismay, frustrate, and enrage

others in organizations.

Example : Darrel Sandstorm

Became vice-president at young age

Self-starter

Smart in recognizing business problem

Capable of solving problem very nicely

Do much debate in disscussion

Antagonize his superiors

Pressuring subordinate to achieve perfection

“Intellectual Bully”

Dilemma of Darrel Sandstorm

Due to his achievements, some want to Promote him

Due to his abrasive behavior, some want to Quit him

Dilemma: „Promotion‟ -versus- „Spare‟

Result : neither promoted nor spared

Profile of Abrasive Person

They- work hard to get perfection.

over supervision.

keenly analytical and intelligent.

do much debate in discussion.

crudely raise issues.

the more competition, the more abrasiveness.

have intense emotional interest in themselves.

Profile of Abrasive Person (contd..)

They- do not want to compromise.

do work very fast.

impatient with others.

difficulty in retire.

can frequently destroy the organization.

Origin of Abrasive Personality

Perfection as an ultimate aspiration

Pushing himself toward impossible aspiration and never

able to achieve them

This leads the feeling of guilt and anger

This feeling turns in the hostile attack on peers and

subordinate

Solving the Dilemma : First Stage

Recognize the psychological axiom.

Uncritically report your observations.

Point out you are with him.

His provocative behavior.

Challenge your observation.

Strong relationship.

Repeat this process.

Further Steps

Can not see reality.

Told very early.

Manager as sheepdog.

Highly conscientious people.

They need frequent feedback.

No uncertain terms.

References

Psychologist

Person is capable in his

role.

Boss want him to stay

Psychiatrist

Subordinates cannot cope

up.

Stagnated promotion.

Other Problem Situations

If the abrasive person is…

The Boss

The Peer

The Candidate

The You, Yourself

Conclusion

Superior want such persons…

Flower into mature executives.

Assume greater responsibility.

Psychological support from superiors.

Warning

Copyright © 2013 Gagan Varshney

All rights reserved with the author. Commercial use of

this presentation, or its any part, is prohibited.