Do you have one of those people in your office who constantly tries to “one-up” everyone with facts, trivia and oddities that have absolutely nothing to do with business or accounting? You’re probably nodding your head and saying to yourself, “No, we’ve got about ten of them!” These people tend to lurk around every corner and spend an inordinate amount of time in the break room. When I thought of this post last night on my bicycle, I could not help but think of a guy I met in the 90’s at a mid-sized firm in Illinois. Let’s call him “Chet.” That wasn’t his name, but he looked like a “Chet,” wearing far more turtleneck sweaters than the average human. Thinking back, I realize the guy had a big time inferiority complex. However, he was regarded as one of the top thinkers at the firm, poised for future partnership. Managers and owners can put up with a lot if the talent is there. That’s the bottom line of it, really–does the value significantly outweigh the negatives, whether it’s an annoying trait like what Chet exhibited or a sloppy desk, foul cologne, lack of patience, etc.

In the spirit of the Olympics, here’s a bit of trivia that you can throw at your “Chet” in the office. Name the four states in the London 2012 Olympic Games without representation on the United States team. Answer: New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Carolina and West Virginia.

Take that, Chet!

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