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Brilliant Jerks in Engineering

Analysis of brilliant but toxic engineers and their destructive impact on team dynamics and productivity

Brendan Gregg's analysis distinguishing between 'selfless jerks' (technically brilliant but abrasive) and 'selfish jerks' (skilled but harmful to teams). Explores how brilliant jerks silence diverse perspectives, reduce productivity, increase turnover, and create toxic environments. Advocates for 'no brilliant jerks' policies, emphasizing that technical brilliance doesn't justify destructive behavior and that the cost to teamwork is too high.

Source: brendangregg.com
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