There is an implicit assumption that in the workplace, we're all rational adults. Reasonable people who deep down are all the same and just want to do the right

There is an implicit assumption that in the workplace, we're all rational adults. Reasonable people who deep down are all the same and just want to do the right thing for the company. That is usually true, but a leader should keep in mind that often it is not true. I disagree with your apparent assertion that people never have irrational and destructive motives at work.