Comments on: Social Networking For A**holes: Why Jerks will Succeed in the Digital Age

By: Matt

Matt — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:36:34 +0000

Great Article Elijah….I fall on the side of Javier with having to balance being blunt, direct, and opinionated, with just being a jerk just to tell everybody that is how you are. No one is nice all the time and in certain situations being a jerk is warranted. I like hearing the different perspective in this article as it is relieving to read an article that is not “cookie cutter”

By: R Green

R Green — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:33:45 +0000

Go ahead and call it PC, Ken. But calling it like it is, as you would wont me to do, you have a reading comprehension problem and are prone to jumping to conclusions.

Lean, tight teams are great. I’ve been in them myself. It takes more than that to be successful.

By: Craig

Craig — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:01:19 +0000

Agreed. Too much of the “don’t judge me” mentality out there IMO. I respect strong opinions when they’re honestly presented.

By: Elijah R. Young

Elijah R. Young — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:53:33 +0000

@R Green I know the world is full of shades of grey, but there are causes, and ideals that you have a “black and white” perspective on. Put those beliefs out there. It’s very easy to be grey and PC, but all you do is blend in. Show your hard edges to differentiate yourself. I know alot of “jerks” have traits that you wouldn’t want to duplicate, but they are very good at standing out, something every small business ultimately wants. Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.

@Javier – That balance is sooo key. Thank your for expressing that. Too far to one side or the other either makes you blend in, or push away your fans too! I appreciate the comment, thank you Javier.

@Ken – Nice edges! I always point back to the book, “Good To Great” when they talk about companies failing because there are too many that are afraid to speak out against the “norm”. If your way is not only working, but making your company better, I applaud you! Thanks for commenting, it really means alot to me.

@Shawn – Thanks for your comment. Individuals are always attracted to what’s different or unique, then they copy it. Trendsetting is the way to go. Thank you for your comment.

Elijah
@ElijahRYoung

By: Shawn

Shawn — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:05:40 +0000

This is a very great article I think you Hit the nail on the head some people are Jerks this is what they want people to see and just walk away but the ones who want to follow don’t really know how to expand there Horizons Oh Well. This Jerk stands for helping other change there miserable future for the better

By: Ken

Ken — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:27:19 +0000

Wow R Green you put that in a nice PC box. As for me at work I am known as the berater yes I know that is not a real word, but if you do stupid shi% I am going to let you know I cut nobody any slack and everyone at the office has elevated each others berate game. Sounds bad I know however we are lean strong produce more with less than other offices in the company have a tighter bond and mass respect from our affiliates. Most people of course comment wow I don’t know how you can work there. It’s simple if you are just in the safe zone we will eat you alive get on the edge speak your mind and if you toss some trash you better be able to back it up with fact, we don’t put up with BULL. So I applaud this article it show true leadership, remember lead follow or get out of my way, Mr PC you follow………

By: Javier Badillo

Javier Badillo — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:51:02 +0000

Yes, there are lots of insecurities hidden behind a facade of bravado.

That said, there is also a lot to learn from alpha “jerk” types – ie. unbridled confidence is a strong leadership trait, and many people love being followers. And even if its a thinly disguised public performance, it serves the old ‘fake it til you make it’ maxim.

The real skills lie in striking a balance between the malleable, adaptable, socially competent you and the strong-headed arrogant a**hole in you. Diplomacy is the science of exactly that: duplo (two) fascia (face).

By: R Green

R Green — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:14:01 +0000

I definitely agree with staying true to your principles instead of trying to please everyone by being wishy-washy. However, you speak in black & white terms; the world is full of shades of gray.

Jerks often project an over-elevated opinion of themselves in order to cover up an underlying inferiority complex that they may not even admit to themselves. Part of the game is to steadfastly refuse to change their stance, even though they may be wrong. This isn’t admirable; it’s the mark of a fool. Unless exceptionally lucky, fools fail.

By: ElijahRYoung

ElijahRYoung — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:28:25 +0000

Thanks for the comment, appreciate you reading the article. Everyone has something to stand for that makes them a “jerk” on that subject.

I appreciate the feedback

Elijah

By: E Williams

E Williams — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:27:58 +0000

WOW!! This is well written and oh so true! I guess I’m an a$$ hole, jerk, whatever. I stick to who I am. Some get offended but those who know me well appreciate my genuine ways. I may not win them all but the ones I win are lifers! Great post!