@Say Hello To The Bad Guy

Jeff Cairo
Jul 25, 2017 · 3 min read

We have all heard this saying from the infamous movie “Scarface”. I hear people all the time say. “I don’t like being the bad guy”. I’m going to explain why sometimes it is warranted. Now I will preface in saying I’m not talking about becoming a notorious drug lord. I’m talking about the every day interaction you have with people.


Anyone with authority. Parents, managers, CEOs, business owners, coaches, etc. have to wear the bad guy hat from time to time. It is not to make the other person think you are better than them. It is not to degrade them if front of their peers. It is to give constructive criticism to get the job done. That is your responsibility as a person in that position.


For example your a project manager and you have a deadline. A member of your team drops the ball and you lose the account. If your a strong project manager you have a decision to make. Do I fire the person. Do I have a conversation and give them a second chance. Based on the history of that persons performance a firing may have to happen. It will set an example to the rest of the team that you are not messing around. You were put in that position because someone thought you can handle the rocky waters.


Maybe you have children who are acting up or doing illegal things and you have to punish them from something special in their lives like the prom or that really important baseball game. TOUGH LOVE is what is. best for the other person. Your not the “bad guy” or girl if your trying to teach your children they have to be held accountable for their actions. If you have strong kids who can handle anything and you let them dig their own grave they will learn and grow into high performing adults.


Now we get into the grey area. Bad guy or girl does not equal asshole. If you are a rotten person to the core than your just that an asshole. If your doing your job or doing whats best for your children your not an asshole. If you lie, cheat or steal from others your a bad person. If someone hurts you or someone close to you than by all means act accordingly. But If you take control of a situation for the better of your company or for the better of some one close to you that will change everything for the good. It is a win win situation for all parties.


Let’s put business aside. Let’s talk about just regular relationships. You have that friend who is needy and drains you but you don’t want to be the bad person and tell them you are too busy to listen to their issues. Then there is little Johnny or Aunt Susie who go on and on about something. This is where you would. be a bad person if you speak up or are rude and don’t listen. As a friend, family member or parent you have to be supportive. If the other person is not supportive or doesn’t make an effort you are not a bad person for distancing yourself. Life is a balance of good and bad. Like in the movies the good guy wears the white hat the bad guy wears. the black hat. I choose grey….

Be Well

JC

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