Why Do Bad Guys Float To The Top In Some Organisations?

A Hard Look at Why the Bad Guys Sometimes Rise to the Top

If you’ve ever found yourself puzzled by certain people in your organisation rising through the ranks despite their dubious contributions, you’re far from alone. It’s a familiar story in corporate life: schemers, gossipers, blame-shifters, and responsibility-dodgers somehow end up climbing to the top of the organizational ladder.

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It’s like watching something unpleasant (you know what 💩I mean) rise to the surface of a clear toilet. No one wants to touch it, yet it is, bobbing confidently as if it owns the place.

So, the burning question: Why does this happen? Why do bad guys float to the top in some organisations?

Lets take a look at how these 💩's manage to swindle the system and sparkle into their new unearned roles.

I've been walkin' these streets so long
Singin' the same old song
I know every crack in these dirty sidewalks of Broadway
Where hustle's the name of the game
And nice guys get washed away like the snow in the rain. - Glen Campbell - Rhinestone Cowboy

The "Survival of the Craftiest"

There’s an old saying that hard work is rewarded. While this is true in many cases, sometimes the corporate ecosystem feels more like a reality TV show, where leadership is either distant or lacking in emotional intelligence. Instead of recognising true talent, some organisations reward.

“The Art of Looking Busy”—those who masterfully appear involved in various projects but ultimately accomplish very little.

Instead of promoting talented employees who have earnt a place and reward, some organisations like to reward "The Art of Looking Busy" Individuals who are masters of claiming they are involved in all sorts of projects when Infact they have achieved nothing.

The Bullsh*t Statistics Players

Some individuals can make a dismal sales report look like a promising forecast. These “bad guys” have a knack for twisting statistics and coming prepared with answers if challenged.

You could argue that this takes talent, and in a way, it does. Showing up to a meeting once a week or even monthly with Oscar-worthy confidence can be all it takes to secure a reputation for “achieving results.” This illusion allows them to coast the rest of the time while leadership remembers only the shine of their presentations.

The Technical Baffling Jargon screwballs

Have you met people who give impressive-sounding presentations but leave you unsure of what they actually said? Some individuals seem to land in the right places at the right times (especially near top management) and somehow manage to parlay empty talk into success.

With a few pats on the back from well-placed allies, they pave a path to the top. It’s a twisted version of corporate Darwinism where survival of the craftiest replaces survival of the fittest.

The "Master of Delegation" Illusion

Some people have perfected delegation to a fine art, making sure they never actually perform tasks themselves. Every assignment somehow winds up on someone else’s plate. The genius here lies in taking credit for the successes of others while distancing themselves from anything that goes wrong. Meanwhile, they relax in the corner office, their “Employee of the Month” certificate on proud display.

The "I'm Friends with the Boss" Kiss A**

It can be downright nauseating to watch certain individuals cozy up to the higher-ups, grabbing their morning coffee from Costa with their name on it. 😦 Things only get worse when these folks start socializing outside of work, going for after-work drinks or even hanging out at the boss's home. Soon enough, the team is stuck enduring endless inside jokes from their weekend escapades.

The truth is, these people aren’t genuinely sociable—they’d likely rather be doing something else. But they know how to play the game, making the boss feel good to fast-track their climb up the corporate ladder. It doesn’t matter if their emails are riddled with spelling mistakes, bad grammar, or even sent to the wrong people—the boss has their back, always will, and that's all they need to keep advancing.

The "Blame Shifting" Creeps

Perhaps one of the most frustrating personality types in the workplace, blame-shifters expertly dodge accountability. If a project fails, they’re quick to point fingers at someone else. Missed deadlines? It’s the team’s fault, not theirs. These individuals have an uncanny ability to evade responsibility, floating upward while others bear the consequences.

Why Does This Keep Happening?

It’s a question that’s asked across many organisations. Why do so many let these patterns persist? Often, it’s because leadership is too removed from day-to-day realities. The bad actors excel at managing up, presenting a polished version of themselves to the higher-ups, while neglecting those below them.

In some cases, organisational culture plays a role, particularly when appearances are valued more than actual substance. When this happens, people skilled at gaming the system often thrive, creating an environment reminiscent of a corporate version of Survivor.

So, What Can We Do?

Here’s the good news: organisations aren’t destined to be ruled by these “floaters.” Recognizing the problem is the first step. Creating a culture that values transparency, accountability, and genuine results over superficial optics is crucial to keeping these issues in check.

Until that day comes, remember: when you see undeserved success in the corporate waters, it’s not a reflection on your work ethic. It’s just a matter of physics—sometimes, things float not because they’re valuable, but simply because they’re... well, you get the picture.

In the meantime, stay focused, keep your integrity intact, and trust that genuine skill and hard work will ultimately shine through. Or better yet, consider steering clear of those troubled waters altogether.