Five Warning Signs of a Problem Overachiever

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  Clarioncom11/29/07 Report as spam
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  Five Warning Signs of a Problem Overachiever

  Overachievers are often times obsessed with their OWN PERSONAL achievements and brag about it (even if subtily)forgetting that no one actually succeeds without the input of colleagues. They crave attention and pampering because of "their achievements". It can be irritating to say the least!

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  Ssp@...11/29/07 Report as spam
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  I agree but..

  Yep I agree, it can be irritating for those who have never tasted success in a grand way or hv never been a overachiever in the past.

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  LittleFish 712/04/07 Report as spam
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  Hmmmm

  My guess is you are an UNDERachiever to be so bitter.

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  LWeller211/29/07 Report as spam
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  RE: Five Warning Signs of a Problem Overachiever

  I think this article mixes apples and coconuts. The warning signs are supposed to represent potentail characteristics of high achievers. In reality, the warning signs represent potential characteristics of the spectrum of achievers (low to high), and some characteristics are actually those of low or average achievers (screaming, etc.).
  
  This article has a tinge of name calling in it and a subtle lashing out at high achievers, attempting to portray them as negative, hostile people. Politicians do this all the time. They discuss topic x then bring in all kinds of positive or negative attributes that are not exclusive to topic x, but implying that x is the main source of those attributes.
  
  This is why EVERYONE should study science. It teaches you to analyze such things.

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  jvaneeden@...11/29/07 Report as spam
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  "Overachiever?" Is that the new name for a workplace thug?

  I agree with this view:
  "I think this article mixes apples and coconuts. The warning signs are supposed to represent potential characteristics of high achievers. In reality, the warning signs represent potential characteristics of the spectrum of achievers (low to high) ..."
  
  The behaviour patterns described in the article certainly provide us with no useful guidance for identifying so-called "overachievers".
  
  A hypercritical, unethical, physically or emotionally abusive person is a toxic human being, no matter how hardworking or self-critical he or she might be.
  
  Put such a person in a management or supervisory role, and you have a perfect recipe for high staff absenteeism, low morale, high staff turnover, and, ultimately, low profits.
  
  The article claims: " Few overachievers become truly dysfunctional." On the contrary, I would argue that displaying even a single characteristic of the five listed, in any extreme form, is a clear signal of a dysfunctional personality.
  
  Heaven help us when such (fill in the expletive of your choice) are being identified, labelled, and managed as "overachievers".
  
  Hitler -- by all accounts work addicted -- was clearly a model overachiever. He was certainly depressed, self-critical, hypercritical, and physically and emotionally abusive. I wonder why those around him never considered advising some coaching, to have him reconsider his "obsession with success".
  
  No, overachievers are by no means "great to have on your team". I've worked with a couple of "overachievers" and wouldn't let them near any team, including the under-11 soccer team, not as coach, sideline parent, or waterboy.
  
  The key problem with this article is the incorrect and quite farcical use of the term "overachiever" to describe a range of behaviours that vary from mildly disturbed to borderline psychotic/deranged. In my view, the factually correct term for the type of person described here would be "*hole".

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  vlaicu12/03/07 Report as spam
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  Agree!

  If I have to choose between a "genius" and a "team worker", my preference will go to the latter. OA's often neglect communication and human touch - I'd rather sacrifice one (bad) person than a whole team!
  
  Let's deal European soccer example: Thiery Henry is a brilliant striker who formerly played for Arsenal London dream team, leading also his team - as cap - in UEFA Champions League Finale two years ago. However, last year, manager Arsene Wenger surprisingly decided to let him transfer to FC Barcelona! Why? Because many young team players were afraid by Thiery!
  
  The lesson for managers is simple: keep OA as much as you can when they can contribute to the team's success. When these OAs become a threat for the team (directly or indirectly), you will finally have to make a choice.

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  subscribe@...12/04/07 Report as spam
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  Not only overachievers

  I agree with that comment. I have seen what I would term average or even under performers who have displayed some of those behaviours. Maybe they are more characteristics of staff who lack some self monitoring skills and experience. I guess you could say if an overachiever displays these traits he or she needs some attention. However, the traits listed may not be exclusive to overachievers who are struggling in some area.

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  Quench11/29/07 Report as spam
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  RE: Five Warning Signs of a Problem Overachiever

  I can't think of one person who hasn't shown one of these traits at some point in time.
  
  Workaholics aren't necessarily overachievers. In some cases it's easier to be at work than anywhere else.

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  Lynn B. Coley11/30/07 Report as spam
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  RE: Five Warning Signs of a Problem Overachiever

  there I am!

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  LittleFish 712/04/07 Report as spam
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  And where did you get your PhD, Doc?

  You are certainly overachieving in the area web-based diagnoses!

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  joquiroz@...12/17/07 Report as spam
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  Sure but...

  The last three signs show up as issues that would arise with a problem employee, not necessarily with an overachiever. The issues raised, Unethical Behavior, hyper-criticism (to others), and physical and emotional abuse (to others) need to be handled not only in a very professional way, but also as if were were talking on eggshells because if this is an overachiever, I wouldn't like to severe the relationship with him.
  
  I do not know if other's opinions agree to mine, but I have not seen an overachiever who shows such signs, or not to the point which is raised here.

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  ExtremeGeek01/27/08 Report as spam
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  RE: Five Warning Signs of a Problem Overachiever

  i have all but the unethical behavior...my boss, a professor, has mentioned it a couple times and i've replied what's wrong with pursuing excellence? furthermore, it seems to be the nature of the extremely lazy to take advantage of the overachiever...viz, the more the OA does the less the lazy will do and then they have the audacity to criticize.

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  SandyMan102/06/08 Report as spam
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  RE: Five Warning Signs of a Problem Overachiever

  Overachievers are absolute diamonds! The challenge, though, is in order to get the projects completed, the deadlines met and the results showing black.....it takes a team. A team leader (whether senior management or front-line supervisor) MUST not allow the star antics of an overachiever drive down the performance of those that get good work done on a consistent basis.
  
  Make certain everyone is aware of their roles...Steady Eddy and On Time Pam's reliability is as valuable as the amazing innovator or burn the midnight oil achiever. Recognize them and celebrate their contributions. More important than individual high achiever is HIGH PERFORMANCE of a team with winning results. Lose the underachievers....or at least conduct an analysis to find out why...personal, not the right resources...nasty boss?

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  argenesys04/24/08 Reported as spam
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  Message has been deleted.

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  scy08/27/08 Report as spam
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  RE: Five Warning Signs of a Problem Overachiever

  I believe the OA has to be integrated into the team by the manager and to be shown how their performance enhances the whole team. Once they become a team player they are a real asset to everybody.

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  JammyJargon10/21/08 Report as spam
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  Solution

  Surley all over achievers want is recognition, there frustrations and out bursts are probably result from their being treated the same as everyone else despite the fact they make a constant effort to raise standards. Surely the obvious solution is to make them team leaders. I dont agree that the remainder of the team would be negitavly effected but rather pleased that they dont have to take on the same responsibilities. The dogmatic tendancies of the over achiever would also cease as they nolonger need to proove their superiority. They wont even shove it in your face if you give them credit where it is due in the very first place.