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I can understand that. On the same token, I see a lot of people that seem to celebrate "bluntness" as if it is 'proof' of something (e.g. skill, 'lack of bullshit', etc). I don't think that this is right, or an opinion that should be encouraged.



Bluntness is exactly that - a costly signal of competence.

http://www.overcomingbias.com/2012/12/more-signaling.html

http://www.overcomingbias.com/2007/01/excess_signalin.html

I wish I could find his article on incompetence as a costly signal of criminal commitment.


There are plenty of people that are blunt (or assholes) who are not skilled at anything (or who have skills that are no longer in demand).

There are plenty of people who are 'skilled' and 'blunt,' but their skillfulness is only in navigating corporate politics, and taking credit for the work of others...




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