Ever Met "That Guy"?

[THE GOB-FATHER]

Have you ever met that guy... the one who thinks the world "owes him"? The one that does one thing right and then wants to hear about it a million times over just to blow his own ego up? I tell ya what... I have... and it's pretty sickening to our sport(s).

I was at an archery shoot the other day. A long time good friend and fellow hunter was holding his annual 3D Archery Tournament here locally. He's a new business owner. He took on the responsibilities of starting up his own business in an already congested market... specially round these parts. But nonetheless, he took the challenge... head on. A "somewhat" friend of his (we'll just call him "Tom"... to keep this anonymous ) who was decently skilled in the archery department had made a few suggestions that my friend had already considered to get his business up and running. But instead of hurt the guys feelings, he made him feel good about himself and made his decision with his business sound as if the "friend" had a part in it. I can understand that. But the problem was, was that the guy didn't realize that his so called friend was a "glory whore".... in that he wanted to take credit for EVERYTHING and all the success that my friend is responsible for.... simply because he offered a suggestion my friend had already thought of himself. I might add, that I know first hand that he did have this in mind WELL before this other guy mentioned anything about it.

I guess the whole point here, is that I know the owner of that archery shop. He's a good man and has worked hard to get where he is today. When his whole world broke down on him... he kept his head held high! That so called "friend" of his... well, he never was around during the hard times. But now.... now that he's successful, he comes to these archery shoots and acts as if the owner of the archery shop "owes him" or something! I mean, I can see it... others can see it... and well, it's down right pitiful! Why is it that so many people try to take credit for something so little and try to make it so big? Is it a "little man's complex"? Is it fear that they have no faith in themselves? Is it the fact that they'll always ride on the shirtales of others? I dunno? But all I can tell you is that this character that came to the "shoot"... well, he made a big mistake thinking that he could walk in the front door and call my friend out. He's a good man who's worked hard for his success... and it's these "bottom feeders" that make our outdoor industry look bad.

I just wanted to share this little incident with everyone here because I know that most of us here are wise and have seen this instance before. They are the ones we have to segregate from our groups... the LEECHES! The one's who take credit for something they never work for! Have you ever met "that guy" before? I have... and it's quite pitiful. They're so transparent... all of us can see right through them! I think we all can agree on that!

[OBXgirlnextdoor]

I think we've all met "that guy" in one form or another. The good news is... while he's busy out there trying to claim all the glory, all he's really doing is making an @ss of himself.

[4Pointer]

I know and we all know this kind of guy,,,GLORY SEEKER"S,
They have to have all the attention and they will do anything to get it.. Big or Small,,,I know a guy that will even start argument and if
he dose anything for anyone you never here the end of it..
they are REAL A-- HOLE'S

[Kt29]

Great Story. I also know a guy like that very well. Had him for a boss once. He took credit for every good thing that happened, but let everyone know that when something wasn't quite right it was totally your fault. World certainly doesn't need people like that.-KT

[''HILLBILLY'']

I've seen a bunch of them and will no doubt see a bunch more.
I think it's insecurity and low self esteem most of the time. but that don't change the fact they're a bunch of jerks

[JerseyGirl]

I know a couple of people like that and to be quit honest I dont think they know
they have a problem, but we all know who they are ,and just try not to be brothered,because that is someone you wouldnt call a friend

[Misstiggs]

i deal with them everyday on my job by the way i drive a school bus .they all need to go out in the woods n let us have target practice using rotten veggies n fruit

[grizz1]

I've met these kind of people often , several lately and it's too bad . I have had difficulty in past years dealing with them , but as I get older it has become easier for me to overlook their ways .
Many organizations have suffered or even failed because good people will drop out when confronted by the "Tom" type who want to run the show.

I have let these kind of people ruin my day all too often and it ends up making me feel bad about myself that I let that happpen ,life is too short to allow someone like this to upset me .

For these kind of people GF decribes I like to apply some pressure on them , beginning lightly and increasing the pressure if they don't respond in a good way . Yes "Call them out ".

Examples: 1) I'll use the name" Tom" also : So Tom doesn't like the sermons lately , doesn't believe the preacher is doing so well , so Tom should fill in when the need arrises , esp. on short notice since he's good at problem solving.
2) The food wasn't cooked quite right at the last 3D shoot ,Tom would you please take charge ,obtain some volunteers ,and show everyone how it's done .Oh Tom ,you will have to start at about 4 am ,cause you'll need to pick everything up and build the fire of course.
3)Hey guys our club is working on recruiting new members and getting the news out to the public : Tom I've already appointed you to meet with the radio and TV station to handle the interviews , you will be speaking on everyones behalf so don't make any mistakes please .
4) Now the pressure is increasing : Tom , I hate to admit it but I'm running low on funds and we need some new 3D targets on the range ,14 to be exact , the guys are complaining about shoot throughs all the time.Well heck, Tom you know about it ,you never miss the kill zone and I heard you complain about them too, I know you can handle almost any problem so would you consider buying the targets with your money , and if we get caught up financially we'll pay you back later of course ,hopefully sometime within the year .Oh , an Elk and a Bison target would be fantastic for those long shots on course number 4.

Sometimes the Toms that I've confronted will run away and sometimes he will step up to the plate , fool everyone by doing a great job . If the new responsbility gives Tom some confidence ,puts him in the light and gives him credit when he deserves it ,he may be a better person for it and my opinion might change for the good as well.
I refuse to let Tom take me down , so something has to change simple as that .

[4Pointer]

GOOD POINT GRIZZ,,,,
WE SHOULDN'T LET THEM GET TO US,,,

[THE GOB-FATHER]

Very well put Grizz!

[germanshorthair]

Grizz your a wise bird. When i startyed reading GF's story I wasn't suprised that "Tom" was associated with target shooting. Severeal years ago I got into collegiate archery shooting for a successfull college. I made several good friends on that team some of which I'm still friends with today. However my point is that I hated practicing and competing on the team because the "Tom's" which made up 3/4th of the team were over zealous of themselves. I still shoot target archery for fun with family and friends and seldom even keep score, because like grizz I'm not going to let them pee on my cheerios. I'm not trying to point fingers, in fact that is the last thing I want to do, but it seems as though and competition sucks the "Tom's" out of the woodwork. My final thought is this: it takes all kinds of people for the wordl to go around!!

GSH

[poohcracker]

Been workin with a (Tom) 11 yrs . I've been with company 12 1/2 yrs. He started this crap about 2 years ago. Always looking for brownie points . Everything is always his idea. Has little suckass meeting's with boss. Gotta get a pat on the back.Can't tell him anything he knows it all. Untill someone like a diesel mechanic tell's him something will absolutely not work then he goes an pouts about it for a week. Like square peg will not fit round hole. I usually let things go right out the other ear . Ever now and then he pisses me off but I usually don't let him know this. Keeps him tryin to figure me out .LOL ;D

[Wing~Bone]

:oLet me start by saying, there are a lot of 'TOMS' in the world and we all on occasion meet one, and know one! But we can't allow ourselves to get caught up in all the great they(TOMS) have done with little or no effort. I believe in giving CREDIT where CREDIT is due, but it needs to go both ways. Everything you do in life, good or bad (TOM) makes full circle, I know that for a fact. So beware TOMS of the world your day will come, when you will have to answer for your wrong-doings. Be it through a REALITY-CHECK or HUMILITY either/or is out of our hands. Do unto others as you would them do unto you! A good rule to live by!
Thanks Racks and Spurs Club for the open forum we can speak and share our thoughts!

[Venison ~Lover]

i got a kid in my class, more of an arrogant (and spoiled) jerk than a glory hog (but that comes out in gym)