Psychopathic Boss: Spotting Abusive Traits in Senior Leaders (1 in 8).

Spotting Abusive Bosses: 1 in 8 Leaders Show Psychopathic Traits

Senior leadership has more psychopathic tendencies (characterised by a lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and the grandiose sense of self-worth) than the general population. It is a scary fact. Researches indicate that approximately 1 in 8 (or 12%) of senior leaders possess the combination of various such traits, while less than 1% of the general population have them. This overrepresentation can take a toxic form of work environment and result in abusive behavior of the bosses. Identification of such a behavior is necessary for self-preservation. The following are a few pointers in finding an abusive boss:

Lack of Empathy and Callousness: Not understanding other people’s feelings, or being unable to share feelings of other people is one of the fundamental characteristics of psychopathy. A bad boss can make a dismissal of your concerns, humiliation of your feelings and lack of any care about your well-being. They could make insensitive jokes or say insensitive remarks at your expense or other people’s expenses.

Manipulative and Deceitful Behavior: Psychopathic persons are known to be very good at manipulating people and are compulsive liars. A boss who is abusive could, however, start by using charm and flattery to win your trust before exploiting you. They can gossip, play favoritism games and create hostilities among colleagues in order to remain in control. They could also claim credit for your work and also blame you for their errors.

Grandiose sense of self-worth and entitlement feeling. These bosses tend to have a big ego and think that they are better than all other people. They can be very demanding and require constant praise and acknowledgment, easily feel insulted when criticized, and expect favorable treatment. They can ignore rules and company policies thinking that they are superior to them.

Impulsivity and Irresponsibility: A bad boss could make irresponsible decisions without consequences for his work team. They may also evade responsibility for their actions, and blame somebody else when things go wrong. This may cause instability and uncertainty in the work place.

Unreliable behavior: When you have an abusive boss, it can often feel like you are walking on eggshells when you are concentrating on work or performing tasks. Moods can be unpredictable and their behaviors may change because of unknown reasons, leaving employees confused and stressed.

How you can help:

Working for an abusive boss, especially one with psychopathic traits, cannot compare to anything else. No matter how difficult it may seem, always put your wellbeing first:

* Boundaries: Set clear limits and respect those limits. Say no to unreasonable expectations.
* Build your network: Discuss your situation with trusted co-workers, friends, or family members (the more support, the better). If your work is getting in the way of your personal life, you need to be able to freely express your emotions in a safe environment.
* Seek support: Alloting an hour for therapy or counseling can help lessen the weight of your experiences.
* Assess the situation: If the situation is serious, depending on the abuse and the policies of the company, consider reporting the abuse as well as asking for legal advice. In extreme cases, quitting your job may be the best approach for your wellbeing.

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Recognizing the behaviors of an abusive boss you have noticed in yourself should give you the information to find safety. You are not the only one, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness.

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