Ever Had a Co-Worker with a Hero Complex?

This week, we blogged on a phenomenon one professor calls “Munchausen at work.” In this scenario, individuals seeking recognition create workplace problems in order to create opportunities to demonstrate their problem-solving skills. Other strains described in the underlying article include corporate turnaround specialists creating problems because they are bored and lame-duck executives, wanting to seem indispensable, who sabotage their younger protégés.

What we’re wondering: Does any of this sound familiar to you? Have you ever worked with someone who, say, hoarded knowledge about a case or software or monopolized access to a client just to ensure his or her continued employment? Or have you worked with someone who never hesitated to claim more credit than deserved for jobs well done?

If so, were these individuals ever called out for their behavior? Or have they thrived, owing in part to their cutthroat ways?

Answer in the comments below.

Read the answers to last week’s question about what you would do as a presidential running mate.

Our favorite answer from last week:

Posted by Wayne Boyce:

That office is nothing I’d miss
There are too many backsides to kiss
Sam Rayburn was right
To Lyndon’s delight
“It’s not worth a bucket of spit.”