Does he know this is a problem? Have there been frank discussions about how this habit is harming team productivity? If he's been there for a few years and he

Does he know this is a problem? Have there been frank discussions about how this habit is harming team productivity? If he's been there for a few years and he hasn't changed despite repeated nudges and explicit warnings, yeah maybe he needs to go. If I'm honest though, smart and always learning isn't compatible with refusing to improve a bad habit. If he's as sharp and eager to learn as you say, it seems like he would be open to feedback. "Reputation" is quite silly. If the problem goes away and he stays, why the hell should his "reputation" come into it?