From cubicles to open floor plans, from conference rooms to Slack channels and Zoom calls, the workplace has changed a great deal over the years. There is one thing that never changes, however. You’ll always have to deal at some point with workplace jerks who can wreak havoc in your professional life, career and role. Joining us today is Tessa West, a Professor of Psychology at New York University, where she is a leading expert on interpersonal interaction and communication.  Tessa has published over 60 articles in the field of psychology's most prestigious journals, and has received multiple grants, including from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. She is the recipient of the Theoretical Innovation Prize from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology and writes regularly about her research in The Wall Street Journal. Tessa is also the author of the book, Jerks at Work: Toxic Coworkers and What to Do About Them. Today, we take a closer look at the seven types of jerks that she describes and dive into her definitive guide for dealing with (and ultimately breaking free from) the overbearing bosses, irritating coworkers, and all-around difficult people who can make your work-life miserable. To learn how to spot a jerk and also how to ask for the right kind of feedback you need to prevent you from becoming a jerk yourself, plus helpful strategies for dealing with workplace jerks, tips for finding great allies, and so much more, don’t miss this episode.    Key Highlights From This Episode: How Tessa landed on this topic and what compelled her to write about it [02:55] Cultural norms that steer us away from conflict and why we need to learn to face it [04:46] The seven types of jerks and how to identify them [11:25] What these jerks might have experienced in childhood that drives their behavior today [17:10] The fascinating origins of the term ‘gaslighting’ and how it relates to narcissism [29:32] Proven strategies for handling each type of jerk [30:32] Tips for reframing your work relationships and finding trusted allies [32:30] Encouragement and advice for dealing with jerks and toxic coworkers [36:35] How to recognize if you're the jerk at work [37:44]   For More Information: Tessa West Tessa West at NYU Connect with Tessa on LinkedIn and Twitter Jerks at Work: Toxic Coworkers and What to Do About Them   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Tessa’s book, Jerks at Work: Toxic Coworkers and What to Do About Them, on Amazon and Audible. Take Tessa’s free tests to find out “Am I a Jerk at Work?”, “Am I an Effective Ally?”, or submit your workplace problem for direct feedback Kathy’s viral article, ‘6 Toxic Behaviors That Push People Away: How To Recognize Them In Yourself and Change Them’. ——————— Ready to Take Your Professional Life and Leadership to the Next Level? Gain the confidence and strength you’re ready for, and become The Most Powerful You! In reading a great deal about leadership today, and interviewing top leadership experts, I’m recognizing a disappointing trend - that the general concept and understanding of leadership has become so vague and watered down that most of it isn’t helpful at all, and it’s not suited to a majority of women and men who want to lead differently. My Most Powerful You training goes deeper. It helps you recognize and understand more clearly key aspects about yourself – as a leader, communicator, manager and uplifter of others. And it guides you to take empowering, transformative actions to operate in your role and career in a way that takes your leadership and your career higher, making the impact you dream to. If you truly want to grow your leadership and influence, help your teams thrive, and build an organization where all can say they are “The Most Powerful We” together, this is the right training for you.  Take this course individually or bring it to your workforce and teams today! Visit The Most Powerful You training HERE. ——————— JOIN KA