In a previous life segment I used to work with a very smart guy, who I'll call "Bob" for the purposes of this comment. Bob was VERY quick. Solved technical problems, super quick with a witticism.

Unfortunately for Bob, and those who worked with him, he overestimated how valuable his brain was. He didn't understand that people will forgo a bit of profit if that profit comes with the price of being told you are an idiot by a loudmouthed asshole.

Just one story related to Bob. Bob was on a transatlantic flight. It turns out several senior executives of a major customer of Bob's company were on that same flight. Bob, underestimating how much alcohol affects you in plane (or maybe he just didn't care) and overestimating how much his customer needed his services/products, Bob "entertained" the exectuives with his wit during the entire 9-10 hour flight.

Unlike at a terrestrial party, on a plane you can't excuse youself to get away from a drunk jerk. So the executives professionally held their tongues until they returned to their offices. At which point the customer informed Bob's company that they planned to cancel most of their business with Bob's company.

Panic ensued at Bob's company. They managed to save most of the business, but at much worse conditions. Not surprisingly, relations never completely recovered, either professionally or personally.

It is so long ago that I can't remember the "Bob" quotes I heard from the customer, but every one was cringe-enducing. "Pulling a Ratner" indeed!