What is *Jerks at Work* by Tessa West about?

*Jerks at Work* exposes seven toxic workplace archetypes – including Gaslighters, Credit-Stealers, and Bulldozers – and provides science-backed strategies to neutralize their impact. Using decades of research, NYU psychologist Tessa West explains how to protect your career from manipulative coworkers while avoiding becoming a jerk yourself. Key tactics include limiting a Bulldozer’s influence in meetings and mirroring a Gaslighter’s tactics defensively.

Who should read *Jerks at Work*?

This book is essential for professionals facing toxic colleagues, HR teams managing interpersonal conflicts, and managers seeking to foster healthier teams. It’s particularly valuable for high achievers targeted by Credit-Stealers and employees coping with neglectful bosses or micromanagers. West’s actionable frameworks also benefit those transitioning to leadership roles.

Is *Jerks at Work* worth reading?

Yes – it’s a pragmatic guide for navigating common but underaddressed workplace conflicts. While not focused on systemic fixes, its archetype-based approach (like handling Kiss Up/Kick Downers) offers immediate tactical relief. The book’s strength lies in translating academic research into real-world scripts, though readers seeking organizational-level solutions may need supplemental resources.

How does *Jerks at Work* suggest dealing with a Gaslighter?

West advises using a Gaslighter’s own tactics against them: document conversations, restate their contradictions publicly (“So to confirm, you’re saying X now vs. Y yesterday?”), and enlist allies to verify realities. This approach disrupts their manipulation without escalating conflict, as Gaslighters rely on isolation and ambiguity.

What’s the best way to handle a Credit-Stealer at work?

Preempt theft by announcing contributions early (“I’ll present the analytics I developed”) and cc stakeholders on progress emails. West emphasizes “credit anchoring” – linking your work to measurable outcomes in group settings. For chronic offenders, strategically praise their “collaboration skills” to managers while highlighting your specific inputs.

Can *Jerks at Work* help with a micromanaging boss?

Yes. The book recommends “controlled autonomy” – providing ultra-specific progress updates preemptively (“I’ll send the draft by 3 PM Thursday”) to satisfy their need for control while carving out decision-making space. Gradually negotiating check-in frequency reductions using data (“Our last 3 projects met deadlines with weekly updates”) can reset expectations.

What are the 7 workplace jerk archetypes identified?

1. **Kiss Up/Kick Downers** (charms superiors, abuses subordinates) 2. **Credit-Stealers** (claims others’ work) 3. **Bulldozers** (dominates conversations/decisions) 4. **Free Riders** (shirks team responsibilities) 5. **Micromanagers** (excessive control) 6. **Neglectful Bosses** (avoids guidance) 7. **Gaslighters** (distorts reality)

How does Tessa West advise confronting a Bulldozer?

Silence their dominance by ensuring they speak last in meetings. Pre-meeting ally-building (“Let’s rotate speaking order”) and structured agendas prevent Bulldozers from hijacking discussions. West also suggests reframing their interruptions as enthusiasm (“Alex is passionate, but let’s hear Sarah’s full idea”).

Jerks at Work Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Jerks at Work

Tessa West

3.57 (564 Reviews)

Business Psychology Relationship Self-growth

Resumen

Puntos Clave

Autor

Preguntas Frecuentes

Tired of toxic colleagues? NYU psychologist Tessa West's "Jerks at Work" delivers science-backed strategies for handling seven workplace saboteurs. Endorsed by influential thinkers like Scott Galloway, it's the career insurance Annie Duke calls "breezy" yet transformative for navigating office politics.

Explora Tu Forma de Aprender

Resumen Rápido9min

Siente el libro a través de la voz del autor

Análisis Profundo42min

Convierte el conocimiento en ideas atractivas y llenas de ejemplos

Tarjeta Flash9 ideas

Captura ideas clave en un instante para un aprendizaje rápido

Divertido22min

Disfruta el libro de una manera divertida y atractiva

Mejor cita de Jerks at Work

The key insight emerging from West's research: the most effective antidote to workplace jerks isn't isolation or avoidance but developing a robust network of workplace relationships.

Explora Tu Forma de Aprender

Jerks at Work no es solo un libro — es una clase magistral en Business. Para ayudarte a absorber sus lecciones de la manera que mejor te funcione, ofrecemos cinco modos de aprendizaje únicos. Ya seas un pensador profundo, un aprendiz rápido o un amante de las historias, hay un modo diseñado para tu estilo.

Resumen Rápido

Resumen de Jerks at Work en 9 Minutos

Desglosa las ideas clave de Jerks at Work en puntos fáciles de entender para comprender cómo los equipos innovadores crean, colaboran y crecen.

00:00

Tarjeta Flash

Las 9 Ideas Principales de Jerks at Work en Resumen

Destila Jerks at Work en pistas de memoria rápidas que resaltan los principios clave de franqueza, trabajo en equipo y resiliencia creativa.

Divertido

Lecciones de Jerks at Work Contadas en Historias de 22 Min

Experimenta Jerks at Work a través de narraciones vívidas que convierten las lecciones de innovación en momentos que recordarás y aplicarás.

00:00

Personalizar

Experimenta Jerks at Work a tu manera.

Pregunta lo que quieras, elige la voz y co-crea ideas que realmente resuenen contigo.

Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

BeFreed Reúne a una Comunidad Global de 1,000,000+ Mentes Curiosas

Ver más sobre cómo se habla de BeFreed en la web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

BeFreed Reúne a una Comunidad Global de 1,000,000+ Mentes Curiosas

Ver más sobre cómo se habla de BeFreed en la web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Comienza tu viaje de aprendizaje, ahora

Descargar Este Resumen

Obtén el resumen de Jerks at Work como PDF o EPUB gratis. Imprímelo o léelo sin conexión en cualquier momento.

Jerks at Work

Tessa West

3.57 (564 Reviews)

Business Psychology Relationship Self-growth

Resumen

Puntos Clave

Autor

Preguntas Frecuentes

Explora Tu Forma de Aprender

Resumen Rápido9min

Siente el libro a través de la voz del autor

Análisis Profundo42min

Convierte el conocimiento en ideas atractivas y llenas de ejemplos

Tarjeta Flash9 ideas

Captura ideas clave en un instante para un aprendizaje rápido

Divertido22min

Disfruta el libro de una manera divertida y atractiva

Mejor cita de Jerks at Work

The key insight emerging from West's research: the most effective antidote to workplace jerks isn't isolation or avoidance but developing a robust network of workplace relationships.

Más Como Este

28 sources

Workplace Heartbreak: Reclaiming Your Power After Betrayal

Joy at Work

Marie Kondo & Scott Sonenshein

Works Well With Others

Ross McCammon

23 sources

Workplace Defense: Beyond Toxic Resilience Culture

Workstyle

Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst

The Joy of Work

Bruce Daisley

Puntos Clave

When Office Nightmares Come to Life

00:00

Ever had that sinking feeling when you realize your dream job has become a nightmare because of one person? You're not alone. In today's workplace, jerks aren't just annoying - they're systematic predators who undermine your well-being, productivity, and career prospects. The typical responses we resort to - venting to colleagues, emotionally checking out, gossiping, direct confrontation, or running to management - often make things worse. Even well-meaning supervisors frequently freeze when faced with these situations, either because they depend on the problematic employee's skills, feel unprepared to handle interpersonal conflicts, or instinctively avoid confrontation. Workplace relationship problems don't stay neatly contained within office walls. They follow you home, affecting your mental health, family relationships, and quality of life. The truth is, even seasoned professionals with impressive credentials struggle with difficult colleagues. Career experience doesn't automatically translate to conflict management skills. More surprisingly, workplace jerks aren't simply bitter or incompetent employees - many are highly skilled social strategists who deliberately weaponize their interpersonal talents for personal gain. The most effective protection isn't isolation but developing a robust network of workplace relationships across departments and hierarchical levels.

Power Players: Kiss Up/Kick Downers and Idea Vampires

Conversation Dominators and Team Disruptors

Management Extremes: Micromanagers and Absentee Leaders

Psychological Manipulators: Dealing with Gaslighters

Creating a Jerk-Free Workplace Culture

Prevention Strategies and Long-Term Solutions

Explora Tu Forma de Aprender

Resumen Rápido

Resumen de Jerks at Work en 9 Minutos

Desglosa las ideas clave de Jerks at Work en puntos fáciles de entender para comprender cómo los equipos innovadores crean, colaboran y crecen.

00:00

Tarjeta Flash

Las 9 Ideas Principales de Jerks at Work en Resumen

Destila Jerks at Work en pistas de memoria rápidas que resaltan los principios clave de franqueza, trabajo en equipo y resiliencia creativa.

Divertido

Lecciones de Jerks at Work Contadas en Historias de 22 Min

Experimenta Jerks at Work a través de narraciones vívidas que convierten las lecciones de innovación en momentos que recordarás y aplicarás.

00:00

Personalizar

Experimenta Jerks at Work a tu manera.

Pregunta lo que quieras, elige la voz y co-crea ideas que realmente resuenen contigo.

Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

BeFreed Reúne a una Comunidad Global de 1,000,000+ Mentes Curiosas

Ver más sobre cómo se habla de BeFreed en la web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

BeFreed Reúne a una Comunidad Global de 1,000,000+ Mentes Curiosas

Ver más sobre cómo se habla de BeFreed en la web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Comienza tu viaje de aprendizaje, ahora

Descargar Este Resumen

Obtén el resumen de Jerks at Work como PDF o EPUB gratis. Imprímelo o léelo sin conexión en cualquier momento.

Jerks at Work by Tessa West Summary

Overview of Jerks at Work

Similar books to Jerks at Work

Mejor cita de Jerks at Work

Modo Resumen Rápido - Lee o escucha el resumen de Jerks at Work en 9 minutos

Modo Tarjeta Flash - Las 9 Ideas Principales de Jerks at Work en Resumen

Modo Divertido - Lecciones de Jerks at Work Contadas en Historias de 22 Min

Modo Personalizar - Lee o escucha el resumen de Jerks at Work en 0 minutos

Descargar Jerks at Work PDF

Descargar Jerks at Work EPUB

Jerks at Work by Tessa West Summary

Overview of Jerks at Work

Similar books to Jerks at Work

Mejor cita de Jerks at Work

Más Como Este

Puntos Clave

When Office Nightmares Come to Life

Power Players: Kiss Up/Kick Downers and Idea Vampires

Conversation Dominators and Team Disruptors

Management Extremes: Micromanagers and Absentee Leaders

Psychological Manipulators: Dealing with Gaslighters

Creating a Jerk-Free Workplace Culture

Prevention Strategies and Long-Term Solutions

Modo Resumen Rápido - Lee o escucha el resumen de Jerks at Work en 9 minutos

Modo Tarjeta Flash - Las 9 Ideas Principales de Jerks at Work en Resumen

Modo Divertido - Lecciones de Jerks at Work Contadas en Historias de 22 Min

Modo Personalizar - Lee o escucha el resumen de Jerks at Work en 0 minutos

Descargar Jerks at Work PDF

Descargar Jerks at Work EPUB

Más Como Este

Puntos Clave

When Office Nightmares Come to Life

Power Players: Kiss Up/Kick Downers and Idea Vampires

Conversation Dominators and Team Disruptors

Management Extremes: Micromanagers and Absentee Leaders

Psychological Manipulators: Dealing with Gaslighters

Creating a Jerk-Free Workplace Culture

Prevention Strategies and Long-Term Solutions