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MENTAL MODEL · M1580

The No Asshole Rule

The No Asshole Rule
BehaviorHigh supportPsychology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Regardless of how talented or high-performing a person is, if they are an 'asshole' who undermines team psychological safety through humiliation and bullying, they must be fired. Because the hidden damage they cause (team attrition, communication breakdown) far outweighs their visible contributions.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Set a bottom line. In team building, make it clear that 'performance is not a protective amulet.' Protecting the team's psychological safety environment is more important than retaining a star employee.

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Anchor fast decisions

The No Asshole Rule refers to eliminating people who persistently demean and drain others during recruitment and retention, even if they are competent. It recognizes that people pay the cultural cost, and toxic behavior can spill over and damage the team.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_No_Asshole_RuleZH · Explicit
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