We’ve all had the boss we ‘joked’ about being a psychopath
but new research shows we were probably right.
The study
revealed corporate leaders had similar rates of psychopathic traits to the
prison population- up to 21 per cent.
While they make up the minority, their natures can wreak
havoc on the organisation for which they are working and, as their employee,
your mental wellbeing.
If your boss exhibits any of the traits below, start
running.
- The fear factor
A psychopath will motivate you through fear, rather than
reward or respect. A normal boss seeks to improve their employees, a stark
contrast to their psychopathic counterparts who seek to destroy. And did
someone say micro-management?
- Prince (too) Charming
They might be a git to you but when they’re meeting
prospective business partners they easily engage with witty banter to charm
their prey into thinking them a delightful person.
- Liar, liar
Psychopaths are prone to dishonesty. Once one lie is told,
it won’t be long before they’ve woven their web. The risk of their lie being
found out doesn’t worry them, they can just cover it again with another lie.
- Not guilty
The psychopath rationalises their behaviour, regardless of
its effect on others. They easily deflect blame with conjured excuses and
you’ll never catch a psychopath apologising for their actions. A psychopathic
boss will have no problem throwing you under the bus to prevent their own
reputation being sullied.
When dealing with a psychopath, your best defence is to
think like one. By recognising that they are driven by power you can show them
that they have none over you.
Claire Dowler is a
Conference Producer with Akolade. She recently graduated with a double degree:
a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Media and Communications Studies
majoring in International Communication. Claire minored in sarcasm and puns.
A ballroom-dancer who
collects salt and pepper shakers and volunteers for animal rescue, you might
say Claire has eclectic interests.
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