Snakes in Suits – the risks from psychopaths in the workplace

A telling presentation from Holly Andrews at a recent IRM meeting on dealing with psychopaths in the workplace (and yes the boardroom), derived from the 2006 book Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work. The presentation describes how workplace psychopaths burrow into positions of power, and amongst other things, assume more risk than is sensible. There is a wonderful process chart which shows how such people operate

Transitional organisations can be seen as ideal “feeding grounds” for psychopaths since

• There are fewer constraints and rules allow the psychopath freedom in acting out their psychopathic manipulation

• The fast changing environment provides stimulation for the psychopath whilst serving to cover up their failings

• There is the potential for large rewards in terms or money, power, status and control