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am_5

Your title says aggressive, your post says passive aggressive - which one?

OP, think your associate/VP followed you onto here.

I can't give you any real comfort other than the fact that I've noticed the ones who yell or are aggressive tend to be insecure - as they become more senior and reliant on keeping relationships with clients, seniors, and juniors to effectively originate and execute, those who are unlikeable get boxed out.  Being great at modelling / granular analysis does not make a good senior; in fact, that ability is negatively correlated with EQ, which is far more of a required skillset as a senior.

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, dealing with aggressive associates or VPs can be challenging. Here are some insights and advice:

  1. Understanding Tough Decisions:

    • As you grow within the industry, you'll realize that some decisions that seem unfair are often tough decisions made by those with more experience and access to more data. It's important to understand the reasoning behind these decisions.
  2. Office Politics:

    • Office politics can be difficult to navigate. The biggest rule is to never say anything bad about a coworker. Avoid people who talk about others, as they might bait you into saying something negative.
  3. Maintaining Professionalism:

    • Even if you face aggressive behavior, try to maintain your professionalism. Do not engage in negative talk or behavior, and focus on your work.
  4. Building Resilience:

    • It's common to feel anxious or take things to heart, especially as a new analyst. Remember that many people in the industry may lack soft skills and might not always understand the impact of their behavior.
  5. Seeking Advice:

    • If the situation becomes unbearable, consider seeking advice from a mentor or someone you trust within the organization. They might provide you with strategies to cope or address the issue.
  6. Focus on Your Growth:

    • Concentrate on your own development and performance. Building a strong reputation for your work can help you navigate difficult personalities more effectively.

These points should help you manage the situation better and maintain your focus on your career growth.

Sources: Analysts + Associates: What would you like to see in a new-hire external VP?, To All the IB Analysts - Think About How You Treat Your Interns, A2A - what has been your experience ?, Perspectives from a mid-VP who started as an analyst, What I Wish Every First Year Analyst Knew

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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