The Petty Tyrant

"A petty tyrant is a tormentor.  Someone who either holds the power of life and death over warriors or simply annoys them to distraction."-Don Juan

A recent episode of This American Life called “Perry Tyrant" features Steve Raucci, an insane yet ingenious boss, excuse me, convict.   The Podcost explains in detail from former co-workers how Raucci had an ingenious talent for manipulating the people he worked for and the poor souls who reported to him. He played subordinates against each other, sexually harassed secretaries, vandalized the homes of his enemies, and even went as far as sabotaging energy costs to see the demise and downfall of a fellow co worker.  All the while, complaints against him were ignored, and many people he went after were too afraid to say anything for fear of his retribution.

This story was brought to my attention through my Problems in Leadership class here at WVU, which is slowly becoming one of my favorite classes of all time.  Less pen and paper, more brain.  And oddly enough I have two professors, both of which have their Ph.D's in Sports Psychology.  

Prior to working with faculty members within WVU's leadership Studies Department, my two professors created Meno Consulting.

Meno Consulting

I recommend visiting their site for further background information as well as in depth analysis on their case studies.  It's Good stuff.

But back to Mr. Raucci 

The source of Raucci’s power was that he simultaneously controlled the management of the school district maintenance department and the labor union that represented the employees of that department. He took control of the union first, then gained control of the department itself.

While he was the top-ranking employee, he managed to avoid being named anything more glorified than “head utility worker.” That’s because being officially appointed to management would force him to give up his post as head of the labor union.

And because Raucci ran the union, if an employee was being victimized by Raucci at work, there was nowhere for him to turn.

As for Raucci’s bosses? They were thrilled with his performance, because he got things done with brutal efficiency. Not only that, but he turned maintenance workers into public campaigners every time a local election arose. The manpower that Raucci controlled kept his bosses in power, so they didn’t take complaints against him seriously and allowed him to 'create' his job titles in order to keep control of the union.

Raucci was finally brought down, indicted and convicted of 18 counts of arson, conspiracy, weapons and criminal mischief, and sentenced to 23 years in prison.  He was caught on tape discussing his methods and trafficking in explosives.

The Podcast is tremendous.  The end of each act leaves you wanting more.  A bit long but can be heard in it's entirety through your daily commute to work.    The Podcast can be found on ThisAmericanStory.com podcast titled "Petty Tyrant"

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Raucci still collects a yearly pension fund of $80,000 in jail.