No Asshole Rule: Post# 7 - Surviving Them

More on surviving jerks: Reframing how things appear to us changes the effect that jerks have on us. In other words, reframing reduces the negative effects of these people. More specifically, when we practice what psychologist Martin Linsky calls “learned optimism,” we’re better equipped to cope with bad things like jerks at work. According to Linsky, if we’re optimistic, we learn how to view setbacks as temporary and recovery as within our control. But pessimists see setbacks as permanent. Instead of blaming yourself, understand that it’s not your fault if someone’s a jerk. Keeping expectations of jerks low also helps you from expecting more than they can ever deliver. When you work for a jerk, limit your exposure to them, detach emotionally from them, and don’t expect to get psychic income from your interactions. Take up a great hobby or do whatever you can to avoid the jerk and the conditions s/he’s created for you.