This isn't a hypothetical in my world. When we do hiring its hard to filter out the asocial smart guy from the asocial bullshitter for technical jobs, especiall

This isn't a hypothetical in my world. When we do hiring its hard to filter out the asocial smart guy from the asocial bullshitter for technical jobs, especially for entry-level. Shockingly, I find the asocial bullshitter personality is mostly unaware at how terrible he is for the job he's applying for. Maybe its Dunning-Kruger or just old fashioned arrogance, but it can be hard to spot. We have a bad hire like this and its incredible how much damage he has done to the department and how he's unwilling to accept that he's, at best, below average. Instead he engages in this "tech master" personality with non-technical staff that is bizarre to witness, especially when you listen in and hear that 50% of what he's saying is just completely and obviously wrong. It does not occur only with technical people, nor only with employees. I have met many people who simply feel that the world is out to get them and are consequently always on the defensive. They attack because if they don't, they feel like they will be attacked. And then it happens according to their perception, even if it's only in their minds. It ruins relationships in general, even marriages. I emphasize that it's important to note it's not just technical people or employees. Imagine trying to serve a client who gets everything wrong, and when you try to get to the bottom of their problem or even just reproduce it, they get angry that you're not doing what you pay them to do. But they're not willing to consider the expertise they're paying you to provide. I've had a bunch of experiences where I can't even believe a social interaction actually happened because it's so illogical. And it is not a surprise when I notice that those people have poor relationships with a number of their colleagues. I just told a kid today (I coach middle school basketball) that one of the biggest differences between mature and successful people and immature and unsuccessful people is whether the person is able and willing to consider they could be wrong about all the thoughts they have about others. He was a mirror image of those grown-ups who are always crying foul because the world hates them. He didn't care to consider how what I had to say applied to him too. I don't know what to do when I run across these types of people. I have failed many times to communicate with them. So now I just try to get through the issue to solve their problem, even if it means some sleight of hand sometimes to make them feel like I agree with what they're saying. You can't treat clients the way you treat employees. edit: alexashka nailed it. Delusional is the word. I don't know how to deal with it.