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> I got shat on by an architect who otherwise had nothing to do with the project and a boss who never listened to any one else. Sole aim of some people is just

> I got shat on by an architect who otherwise had nothing to do with the project and a boss who never listened to any one else. Sole aim of some people is just to have power over others, force subordinates to commit their mistakes, and to replace subordinates with others who are increasingly zealot, obedient, and desperate. I have no idea how to defend myself in such situations, usually I just quit. "Professional managers" (persons being managers and leads from the beginning of their career), and overeducated people joining the workforce late in their lives and straight from or shortly after the academia are the two profiles from whom I observed such behaviour.

Aromasin 7y ago
Honestly, as silly as the book and most of the philosophy behind it is in my eyes, "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene can be quite helpful in playing the game with overtly controlling people. Often the correct path is just to quit though. Provided you're a skilled professional you'll likely be finding a job in what is a buyers market, so there's little to lose in leaving and a lot to lose (sanity included) in staying.
xiaolingxiao 7y ago
in your opinion why do people joining workforce late in their career from academia behave this way?
- celticmusic 7y ago
  I would imagine it's a combination of the natural power dynamics of school, and a need to be the smartest person in the room.
sixdimensional 7y ago
The Peter Principle is also a favorite book related.
etripe 7y ago
I would add one category: pump and dump freelancers. The type that never have to live with the consequences of what they implement or develop. This correlates closely with CV-driven development. In order to sniff these people out, all you need is a five-minute conversation where you challenge them on something innocuous. You'll find they have no arguments, overuse authority arguments and blindly follow the gospel of well-known programming books. Once at that point, quietly extricate yourself from the conversation and start sending out CVs. These kind of people will fuck your shit up if you let them or can't find a way to limit your interaction with them.

Aromasin 7y ago

Honestly, as silly as the book and most of the philosophy behind it is in my eyes, "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene can be quite helpful in playing the game with overtly controlling people. Often the correct path is just to quit though. Provided you're a skilled professional you'll likely be finding a job in what is a buyers market, so there's little to lose in leaving and a lot to lose (sanity included) in staying.

xiaolingxiao 7y ago

in your opinion why do people joining workforce late in their career from academia behave this way?

celticmusic 7y ago
I would imagine it's a combination of the natural power dynamics of school, and a need to be the smartest person in the room.

sixdimensional 7y ago

The Peter Principle is also a favorite book related.

etripe 7y ago

I would add one category: pump and dump freelancers. The type that never have to live with the consequences of what they implement or develop. This correlates closely with CV-driven development. In order to sniff these people out, all you need is a five-minute conversation where you challenge them on something innocuous. You'll find they have no arguments, overuse authority arguments and blindly follow the gospel of well-known programming books. Once at that point, quietly extricate yourself from the conversation and start sending out CVs. These kind of people will fuck your shit up if you let them or can't find a way to limit your interaction with them.