People With a Chip on Their Shoulder

Someone with a “chip” on their shoulder believes they have been underestimated, passed over, undervalued, or rejected unfairly. The perceived slights they have experienced create a desire to prove their value. This motivates them to work differently than others.

In the view of many leaders, a chip, if channeled appropriately, can be a tremendous advantage in the workplace.   

Chippy people are perceived to work harder and smarter to prove themselves. Those with a chip are expected to be highly results and outcome-oriented and to become team members who will do whatever it takes to get things done.  So, some leaders seek out and hire those with a chip to benefit from the scrappiness and grit they bring to the team. 

The downside of Chippy people revolves around how sensitive they are to the slights of the past. They sometimes bring a “fire” to the workplace, where they can take great offense to seemingly mundane statements and actions and stand ready to defend themselves. It is not uncommon for those with a chip to want to settle perceived scores by fighting through them. This can be hugely disruptive to the team and erase any positives they bring to the table. 

The key is to discern how big a chip people carry. Let’s face it. Everyone has a chip on their shoulder about something. No one has traveled through life without being unfairly slighted or rejected along the way. But we normally can’t see or feel the chips others lug around. Knowing or suspecting someone has a need to prove themselves or perceive past injustices is different than experiencing a chippy attitude. 

People who react angrily to things they shouldn’t, become highly offended by any slight or putdown, blame others for denying them rewards, or are always up for a fight should be avoided at all costs. In other words, if a chip is painfully obvious, it will likely hijack that team member’s reactions to everyday events to the detriment of the team. 

Chips come in all sizes, shapes, and weights. If they are too heavy, they weigh people down. In modest size and scope, chips can motivate people to do their best work. But, if we can clearly see or sense the chip, it is a sign we should probably take a pass.