Do these people just think that they can BS their way through life to important roles and not think that their lies will eventually catch them out? Perhaps they think that if they put up enough front everyone will believe them....
The Wilce story is curious because any role in Defence at his level would require SIS clearance. It appears the SIS didn't pick up the phone and ring their British counterparts.
It’s also interesting, to me anyway, that we have a Tall Poppy thing where we tear people down who are actually often legitimately tall, and yet let these liars slip through time and again.
Thanks for this. From when I first read your article a few weeks back I did wo just what the various HR departments had been doing. Bizarre that not one thought to check his background- or perhaps it isn’t - perhaps they don’t really do their jobs that well.
I do remember that expose on Mr Elice - his hubris was breathtaking! It would have been hilarious except for the implications of his deceit. I wonder whether the people who interviewed & appointed him were investigated for their part in the mess?!
Please. Your article rocked. There is something endlessly fascinating about these Walter Mittys, and our ability to have them glide through society like Teflon - until they can’t. There’s so many. Is it a combination of our innate trust, their willingness to exploit it and a touch of bumbling ineptitude. Love it.
Yes - but too sensible (I like to think!) to comment on individuals we haven’t assessed. But I agree - super interesting profile eh, to commit, over time, to such ludicrous deceit. Not a lack of intelligence, in these cases, and often really personable
They are definitely a type, eh? Cough, cough... Billy TK Jr.
Nice work Paula.
Do these people just think that they can BS their way through life to important roles and not think that their lies will eventually catch them out? Perhaps they think that if they put up enough front everyone will believe them....
Thank you Irene. Yes, I'd like to know that too. I wonder whether in the process of convincing everyone else they end up convincing themselves.
The Wilce story is curious because any role in Defence at his level would require SIS clearance. It appears the SIS didn't pick up the phone and ring their British counterparts.
You could be talking about NACT1st Paula.
Nice piece
It’s also interesting, to me anyway, that we have a Tall Poppy thing where we tear people down who are actually often legitimately tall, and yet let these liars slip through time and again.
Good point, I hadn’t thought of it like that.
Thanks for this. From when I first read your article a few weeks back I did wo just what the various HR departments had been doing. Bizarre that not one thought to check his background- or perhaps it isn’t - perhaps they don’t really do their jobs that well.
I wonder if they just do a quick google! Because when you do that, at face value everything could look legit
But they’re paid to do more than just that surely? I’ve only been asked to provide evidence of my qualifications once when job hunting.
Yes,surely!
I do remember that expose on Mr Elice - his hubris was breathtaking! It would have been hilarious except for the implications of his deceit. I wonder whether the people who interviewed & appointed him were investigated for their part in the mess?!
I must go back and re-read the results of those investigations. You’d like to think some lessons would be learned..
A follow up story perhaps?!
So little diligence, and so much potential for damage. Surely his JP credentials should be withdrawn.
I must follow up on that point since said he was “resigning from everything”.
Please. Your article rocked. There is something endlessly fascinating about these Walter Mittys, and our ability to have them glide through society like Teflon - until they can’t. There’s so many. Is it a combination of our innate trust, their willingness to exploit it and a touch of bumbling ineptitude. Love it.
Love this summation!
I’m fascinated by the personality types who “big up” themselves… particularly people who pose as Drs. The amount of self belief!!
It’s intriguing isn’t it? Any psychologists reading this?!
Yes those who pose as doctors.. that’s a whole other level
Yes - but too sensible (I like to think!) to comment on individuals we haven’t assessed. But I agree - super interesting profile eh, to commit, over time, to such ludicrous deceit. Not a lack of intelligence, in these cases, and often really personable
people. Fascinating! P.s. love your work.
Rightly so! And yes, all undoubtedly intelligent and personable. And thank you:)
Interesting and fascinating article, thank you Paula.
Thank you so much Geoff, appreciate you reading.