Energy and Attitude

Wait a minute! There are a lot of opportunistic employees and coworkers who are really smart, aren't there? In fact, the stereo-typical corporate opportunist is a highly intelligent, conniving SOB, right?

Sometimes, but less often than you would think. Most opportunists are clever but vacuous—they have mastered the art of appearance but exhibit very little depth. Keep in mind what we said earlier—invincible executives admire ambition. Often what separates an ambitious person from an opportunist is intelligence. Smart people see the whole picture, so they realize that long-term success requires a commitment to the organization and hard work. Opportunists, on the other hand, try to get more than they deserve, which often means using underhanded tactics to leverage their intellectual shortcomings.

There are exceptions—i.e., situations where intelligent people become opportunists. One is where the smart person is downright lazy. People who focus on the "flash" rather than the "sweat equity" will eventually be exposed, according to Joe Ryan, executive vice president at Marriott. If a smart person does not like to work, he or she will cut corners, just like a person who is in over his or her head intellectually. Stupidity and laziness are one and the same as far as the effect on the organization. Consequently, invincible executives keep their eyes on the lookout for people who come in late or leave early, who always take the maximum number of days off allowed, who find excuses not to work extra hours or weekends when the job demands it. Again, this is more than a question of work ethic; it is a sign of a potential opportunist.