Dealing With A Workplace Psychopath, Psychology Today

[appalachiablue]

Psychology Today, 'How to Deal With a Workplace Psychopath.' Research reveals how "successful psychopaths" are different. Amy Morin, Aug. 4, 2017. ~ ENCORE.

The word psychopath typically conjures up images of sadistic serial killers. But while some violent criminals are psychopaths, many psychopaths can also become successful business people. Individuals who are high in psychopathic personality traits can be smooth talkers who initially charm their way up the corporate ladder. But at some point, their manipulative tactics become clear.

Working alongside such a person could take a serious toll on your well-being, but being proactive about your approach can help reduce some of the damage.



A 2010 study published in the Journal of Research in Personality examined what separates psychopaths who end up in prison and those who succeed in business. Researchers discovered that successful psychopaths exhibit many of the same core features and traits as other psychopaths — dishonesty, exploitation, arrogance, low remorse, minimizing self-blame, callousness, and shallow affect.

They are charming, carefree, and aggressive, and they lack empathy. They’re skilled at dealing with people and constantly look out only for themselves. What separated successful psychopaths from the rest was their conscientiousness. Typical psychopaths rank low in this personality trait. But successful psychopaths rank much higher.

That means that successful psychopaths are less irresponsible, impulsive, and negligent than others. So while they may still commit crimes, they’re less likely to get caught. That may explain why they’re more likely to be found in an office than in prison. Some of their psychopathic traits may actually be an advantage in business.
For example, they are practically immune to stress, so they’re able to stay calm in the midst of a crisis. They are also often fearless, and skilled at influencing people. They often get promoted, despite the darker side to their personalities.

How to Deal With the Workplace Psychopath. Whether it’s your boss, a colleague, or a subordinate, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered someone high in psychopathic traits in the workplace at one time or another. It’s estimated that somewhere between one and four percent of the population meets the criteria.

Dealing with such an individual in the workplace can be stressful — perhaps even sickening. But the key to handling them successfully is to be proactive. Take stock of their manipulative techniques and decide not to fall prey to their tactics. Here are some ways to take back your power:

1. Don’t act intimidated. Psychopaths try to control others with threats and aggression. They may stand over you when talking, or make veiled threats. Stand your ground in an assertive manner, and report harassment or bullying to human resources, MORE, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201708/how-deal-workplace-psychopath

>Related, Workplace Psychopath, Forbes, Amy Morin, https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2017/07/05/how-to-deal-with-a-workplace-psychopath/#60587a616793

[guillaumeb]

1. Recommended.

This reminds me of someone. I cannot remember the name at this point. But I am certain I will remember.

[appalachiablue]

3. Important to know of narcissists & psychopaths, especially in this era.

Last edited Fri Jan 4, 2019, 10:10 AM - Edit history (1)

They exist in various fields and walks of life often displaying high intelligence, ambition, charm, dishonesty and callousness. These characteristics, like remaining calm under pressure and other traits are key to success and avoiding detection. Physical violence is less common, but can surface under specific conditions. Amy Morin's writings are excellent; this one of the best and most succinct on all points I've ever seen.



"American Psycho," (2000) movie with Christian Bale, based on the 1991 book. Brutal dramatization of Manhattan investment banker, yuppie Patrick Bateman. Twisted & violent portrait of corporate psychopathy in the late 1980s. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Psycho_(film) Cult classic, not a cliché but realistic in some regards.

[MontanaMama]

2. I worked with a psychopath

for 17 years. It was horrible. I didn’t recognize the signs for a long time. My therapist asked me one day if I would consider the co-worker a psychopath....because she definitely did. I was floored. Psychopaths choose their victims and I’d been chosen. Once I got my head around it I began to plan how to leave my job. I was the main breadwinner in my household so I couldn’t just quit. The day I left was glorious. Incidentally, my brother is also a full on psychopath. He tortured animals, my sister and me growing up. After our parents died, I have had no contact with him nor will I. I am much better at spotting these individuals than I was in years past because of therapy but surviving their wrath was hard won. Thanks for posting this.

[appalachiablue]

4. Thanks for commenting & sharing experiences. It's

extremely helpful and valuable. More people than we realize have encountered, endured, and survived these sick predators. How great that you were able to persist, long term in a toxic work environment, and cope with personal relationship challenges. Many congratulations.

[MontanaMama]

5. Thanks.

I could not have persisted without the eyes and ears of a trained therapist. I read a book called “Puzzling People: The Labyrinth Of The Psychopath” by Thomas Sheridan immensely helpful and informative. Psychopaths are everywhere. We all know one or more of them.

[FirstLight]

6. Fascinating

Bookmarking for later

[BigmanPigman]

7. I remember discussing this with a therapist years ago.

I was asking about someone I knew and the therapist told me that sociopaths are not obvious to spot but that there are quite a few in politics. He nailed that one.

Psychopaths and sociopaths are very similar.

[agincourt]

8. Some of the lower level sociopaths take a toll too.

They are ridiculously detail oriented, they are continuously networking, they talk disparagingly about management all the time, then you see them sucking up to them, they are always trying to get someone fired if they can. They take a tough but doable job and turn it into a nightmare.