If there is one thing that the knowledge economy and the increase in ambiguity has foisted on us is the rise of the douchebag. You know the type, an individual who sounds great when talking but the knowledge is only surface deep and there is no ability to execute.
The problem is, with all of the technological complexity and change out there, it is hard to tell the douchebag from the expert. Suddenly, everyone is an expert. The net makes this possible and there are even all sorts of books on how to hold yourself out as an expert, even without being one.
So, here’s a guide to spotting a douchebag and separate him or her from the real expert. A Douchebag:
- Uses complex words you can’t understand in order to make himself seem more intelligent than you. An expert will use simple words so that you can understand.
- Is likely to be running around like a chicken with its head cut off, disorganized and unfocussed where an expert knows where to put the focus and doesn’t waste time.
- Is always onto the next great thing while the expert is more selective about moving on.
- Talks about concepts where an expert talks about applicability.
- Creates a flurry of activity where an expert creates results.
“Douchebag” – interesting choice. How many people have you pissed off with that word I wonder..hahaha. Maybe “dickhead” would’ve been better? LOL
All good stuff Charles….
Charles…
I have met so many douchebags, male and female, that I was starting to wonder if someone was breeding them like cattle. I really want to think they are there to challenge our sense of justice, especially when we watch those same blowhards rise to the top of the food chain like the proverbial cream.
I just hope there is such a thing as karma… and that to each, comes his own.
I had the pleasure of listening to you speak Monday morning at the HalTech entrepreneur seminar. Thanks so much for your thought-provoking talk (even though you didn’t include any female leaders!)
Kristy Elik
Kristy
Lovely to hear from you. Your comment made me realize that there is an evolution to being a Douchebag. One doesn’t start that way but instead one starts as a Twit. You can ignore Twits because they are usually too far ahead of the curve to deserve attention. As the Twit’s favourite topic becomes popular, the Twit is promoted to the status of Douchebag. The ultimate accolade though is reserved for Blowhards. These are people who have graduated from being a Twit to being a Douchebag but once the topic upon which they so often opine is no longer au courant then everyone stops listening and they become a Blowhard.
cp