The Human Factor, by Ishmael Jones is probably required reading for anyone interested in this question: Tl;dr - The "bad ass" individual navigate constant diss

The Human Factor, by Ishmael Jones is probably required reading for anyone interested in this question: Tl;dr - The "bad ass" individual navigate constant dissonance, delivering results despite internal politics, micromanagement and bureaucratic ambition. How? Internal locus of control, humility, perspective and humor. Ambition, zealotry and need for acceptance appears to be a pervasive liability. You are more likely to experience them as highly effective salespeople than as Jason Bourne types.