Snakes in Suits

1. Psychopaths in the workplace: Hidden predators among us

"Not only are psychopaths more prevalent in business than in the general population (3.5 percent vs. 1 percent), but they are also more common in senior executive positions."

Hidden threats. Psychopaths exist in all walks of life, but they are particularly drawn to the corporate world due to its potential for power, status, and financial gain. These individuals are masters of disguise, often appearing as charismatic, confident leaders while harboring malevolent intentions.

Organizational impact. The presence of psychopaths in the workplace can have severe consequences:

• Decreased employee morale and productivity
• Increased turnover rates
• Financial losses due to fraud or unethical decision-making
• Toxic work environments and interpersonal conflicts

Recognition is key. Understanding the prevalence and potential impact of psychopaths in business settings is crucial for organizations to protect themselves and their employees from exploitation and harm.

2. The psychopathic personality: Charm, manipulation, and lack of empathy

"Psychopaths are social predators who charm, manipulate, and ruthlessly plow their way through life, leaving a broad trail of broken hearts, shattered expectations, and empty wallets."

Superficial charm. Psychopaths are often initially perceived as charming, intelligent, and likable. This facade allows them to quickly gain trust and influence over others.

Key traits of psychopaths:

• Grandiose sense of self-worth
• Pathological lying
• Lack of remorse or guilt
• Shallow emotions
• Callousness and lack of empathy
• Manipulative and cunning behavior
• Impulsivity and irresponsibility

Emotional disconnect. Unlike most people, psychopaths do not experience deep emotions or form genuine connections with others. This emotional poverty allows them to manipulate and exploit without hesitation or regret.

3. Identifying psychopaths: Traits, behaviors, and assessment tools

"The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is the most widely used and validated instrument for assessing psychopathy in clinical and forensic settings."

Professional assessment. The PCL-R, developed by Dr. Robert Hare, is a 20-item clinical rating scale used by trained professionals to assess psychopathic traits. It measures four key domains:

1. Interpersonal
2. Affective
3. Lifestyle
4. Antisocial

Observable behaviors. While formal diagnosis requires professional evaluation, certain behaviors can raise red flags:

• Consistent lying and deception
• Lack of empathy or concern for others' feelings
• Manipulative tactics to achieve personal goals
• Impulsive decision-making without regard for consequences
• Failure to take responsibility for actions

Caution against labeling. It's important to avoid casually labeling someone as a psychopath, as this can have serious consequences. Instead, focus on identifying and addressing problematic behaviors in the workplace.

4. The psychopath's modus operandi: Assessment, manipulation, and abandonment

"The psychopathic fiction, 'I am the ideal employee,' created in the minds of his or her supporters can be easily transformed into a very believable 'I am the ideal leader.'"

Assessment phase. Psychopaths quickly evaluate potential targets, identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and utility. They seek out individuals with power, resources, or information that can be exploited.

Manipulation tactics:

• Charm and flattery
• Mirroring target's interests and values
• Creating a false sense of intimacy
• Exploiting weaknesses and insecurities
• Gaslighting and psychological manipulation

Abandonment. Once a target's usefulness is exhausted, psychopaths discard them without remorse, often leaving emotional, financial, or professional damage in their wake.

5. Corporate psychopaths: How they infiltrate and climb the ladder

"Psychopaths are not the only ones who deceive and manipulate others to get what they want, but they are much more willing than most to do whatever it takes to get ahead."

Entry strategies. Corporate psychopaths excel at impression management during the hiring process, crafting compelling narratives and presenting themselves as ideal candidates.

Climbing tactics:

• Building a network of supporters and patrons
• Taking credit for others' work
• Sabotaging rivals and scapegoating others
• Manipulating performance evaluations
• Exploiting organizational chaos and change

Organizational vulnerabilities. Certain corporate cultures and structures can inadvertently facilitate psychopathic success:

• Emphasis on charisma and confidence over substance
• Rapid growth and frequent reorganizations
• Lack of accountability and oversight
• Reward systems that prioritize short-term results over long-term stability

6. The impact of psychopaths on organizations and coworkers

"Psychopaths are able to circumvent and sometimes hijack succession planning and performance management systems in order to give legitimacy to their behaviors."

Organizational damage. Psychopaths can cause significant harm to companies:

• Financial losses through fraud or mismanagement
• Decreased productivity and innovation
• Erosion of ethical standards and corporate culture
• Increased turnover and loss of talented employees

Impact on coworkers:

• Emotional distress and decreased job satisfaction
• Increased stress and anxiety
• Loss of trust in leadership and colleagues
• Damaged professional reputations
• Career setbacks due to sabotage or false accusations

Long-term consequences. The presence of psychopaths can create a toxic work environment that persists even after their departure, leading to long-lasting negative effects on organizational health and performance.

7. Defending against psychopathic manipulation: Strategies for individuals and companies

"The best defense against the dark art of psychopathic manipulation is to fully understand how psychopaths operate and to take every opportunity to avoid them."

Individual strategies:

• Develop self-awareness and understand personal vulnerabilities
• Maintain professional boundaries and document interactions
• Build a strong network of supportive colleagues
• Trust your instincts when something feels off
• Avoid sharing personal information that can be exploited

Organizational defenses:

• Implement rigorous hiring and promotion processes
• Conduct thorough background checks and reference verifications
• Establish clear codes of conduct and ethical guidelines
• Create systems for anonymous reporting of misconduct
• Provide training on recognizing and addressing psychopathic behaviors

Cultural safeguards. Foster a corporate culture that values integrity, empathy, and collaboration, making it less hospitable for psychopathic individuals to thrive.

8. The psychopath-victim relationship: Stages and psychological impact

"Love fraud is a crime of the heart, where victims are deceived into believing they have found their soul mate, only to be emotionally and financially devastated."

Stages of victimization:

1. Idealization: The psychopath presents as the perfect partner
2. Devaluation: Subtle undermining of the victim's self-worth
3. Discard: Abrupt abandonment when the victim is no longer useful

Psychological impact:

• Erosion of self-esteem and confidence
• Feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame
• Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress
• Difficulty trusting others in future relationships

Recovery process. Healing from psychopathic abuse often requires professional support and a deep understanding of the manipulation tactics used. Victims must learn to recognize red flags and rebuild their sense of self-worth.

9. Handling a psychopathic boss: Practical advice for survival and success

"The best defense is to always perform up to your capabilities and do whatever tasks are assigned to you unless they are clearly illegal, unethical, or violate safety or security procedures."

Document everything. Keep detailed records of assignments, conversations, and incidents to protect yourself from false accusations or gaslighting attempts.

Survival strategies:

• Maintain a professional demeanor and avoid emotional reactions
• Build relationships with colleagues and higher-ups outside your department
• Focus on delivering excellent work and meeting objectives
• Seek opportunities for visibility and recognition beyond your immediate supervisor
• Know company policies and procedures for reporting misconduct

Exit planning. If the situation becomes untenable, develop a strategic plan for finding new employment while maintaining your professional reputation and mental health.

Last updated: January 24, 2025