You know what’s Not on Roids, a low IQ. But you can usually spot one in the workplace by their spectacular meltdowns over things that most people consider… well, normal. Seriously, its like watching a slow-motion train wreck of frustration and entitlement. And no, I’m not being mean; science says this is a thing!
Apparently, those folks who seem perpetually exasperated by basic instructions arent just difficult. According to researchers Emily Zitek and Alexander Jordan (who clearly have better things to do than watch people struggle with word searches), individuals exhibiting “more entitled” behavior are significantly more likely to ignore clear directions. Because apparently, following instructions is a personal affront.
It boils down to this: high IQs get pedestal-ed for being clever, but what we’re actually seeing is often just their brains processing information faster and more accurately. People with lower cognitive processing speeds struggle! Its not about malice; its about the sheer mental burden of keeping track of meetings, deadlines, and clients—things most of us manage without needing a therapy session afterward. They get stressed just thinking about planning ahead.
And don’t even get me started on problem-solving. We’re talking functional fixedness – a fancy term for being utterly stuck on one solution, unable to see alternatives. Imagine trying to fix a leaky faucet with a rubber chicken because thats all you can see. Thats functional fixedness in action!
Then there’s the silver platter issue. If someone is constantly handed things without needing to learn skills or follow processes, they develop an attitude. Suddenly, instructions feel like shackles and deviating from them becomes a defiant act of rebellion. It’s not about being clever; its about lacking the discipline that planning requires.
And yes, occasionally, those errors—the spreadsheet screw-ups, the budget overruns—those are signs too. They aren’t necessarily indicators of laziness (though sometimes…), but often a symptom of difficulty envisioning how to actually make a plan work. Its frustrating for everyone involved, honestly. But hey, at least we have something to complain about during our next team meeting!
