I was a jerk at my last job (btw, I'm not saying I'm brilliant either). It ended up costing me and I was shown the door. However, I was picked up by some former co-workers that knew I had some talent.

Now I actively manage my "jerk" tendencies. While I still have my jerk moments, I think my co-workers realize that I'm trying not to be a jerk so they let it slide. And when I am being a jerk, they will call me out on it.