Why You Might Be Getting Fired From a Job, Even If You're "Right"

You've probably seen it happen.

It's the person who always seems to have the "inside track," the one who's "always right." They know every policy, every procedure, and they're not afraid to point out everyone else's mistakes. They're the one who says things like:

"Actually, that's against company policy..."

"I've already told you that won't work..."

"If you'd just listened to me..."

And then, one day, they're gone. Just like that.

Getting fired isn't always about incompetence. Sometimes, it's about being "too good" in the wrong way.

The "Expert" Trap

I've seen it myself. A coworker, let's call him "Mark", knew everything. He was a walking encyclopedia of company knowledge. But he also had a knack for making everyone feel small. Every meeting was a lecture, every project a critique. He was "right", sure, but he was also insufferable.

Then, the company went through a restructuring. Suddenly, "Mark's" expertise wasn't enough. He was let go. Why? Because being "right" doesn't equal being valuable. It's about how you contribute to the team.

You Can Be Skilled, But Not "Useful"

It reminded me of a time I thought I was indispensable. I had a skill set that was in high demand, and I made sure everyone knew it. I was so focused on being "the expert" that I forgot to be a team player. I missed deadlines, I ignored feedback, and I alienated my colleagues.

I was "skilled," but I wasn't "useful."

Here's where I hit my own wall:

• I focused too much on my own expertise and not enough on the company's goals.

• I spent too much time pointing out problems and not enough time offering solutions.

• I forgot that a job is a team effort.

Even though I felt I was right, I was wrong. It was more important for me to communicate that I was right, than to communicate in a way that helped the team. So people saw me as difficult, and self centered.

Keeping the Bigger Picture in Focus

Like "Mark", I missed the big picture. The goal isn't just to be "right". It's to contribute to the company's success. It's about building relationships, collaborating with colleagues, and being a valuable member of the team.

When you're so focused on your own expertise, you miss out on opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute in meaningful ways. You become isolated, and eventually, expendable.

What to Do Instead

So, what can you do to avoid the "expert" trap?

• Focus on collaboration: Share your knowledge, but don't use it as a weapon.

• Offer solutions, not just critiques: Identify problems, but also propose solutions.

• Build relationships: Be a team player, and show genuine interest in your colleagues.

• Remember the big picture: Focus on the company's goals, and how you can contribute to them.

Maybe there is a greater lesson here too? Nah, I think it only applies to work.