Stop me when you've heard this before - "We can't make it without him - his skills are too valuable"!!!.....

Companies can come up with multiple rationalizations for keeping Jerks in the workplace.  Some are real reasons, others are flimsy excuses not to confront.  Among the real reasons companies rationalize keeping jerks around? The jerk with "Specialized Skills".  Who is this individual?  Read on:

"This is by far the most recurring theme to rationalize keeping jerks in your company. This theory suggests the knowledge, skills and abilities held by the jerk can’t be replaced in the marketplace. You’ll rarely hear this rationalization about accounting, HR or marketing professionals (since these skills transfer more seamlessly across industries), but you’ll hear it constantly when it comes to technical competencies in areas like engineering, product development and programming. Additionally, the more specialized and niche-oriented your line of business, the more you’ll hear this reason for keeping a jerk around."

Sorry, HR pros.  Unless you are a very unique bird, you won't qualify for for the "specialized skill" exemption when it comes to your own jerk-like behavior.   Same for you, my CPA brethren - don't you know we can find someone to do the numbers without putting up with your constant ranting? 

But Bobby Knight or Mike Gundy?  Who's going to coach the team if they leave?  We can't lose them!!