How to Discover a Sociopath in the Workplace

Sociopaths may seem normal on the outside.
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If your boss seems to take pleasure in belittling you or your co-worker lies to you without remorse, you may be dealing with a sociopath at work. According to Harvard Medical School psychologist Martha Stout, as reported by "Forbes," 4 percent of the global population are considered sociopaths. That's one out of every 25 people, so if you;re employed by a large company, odds are good that you're working with one right now. Learning to recognize the traits of a sociopath will help you identify a co-worker with this disorder before he harms you emotionally or physically.

Lack of Conscience and Remorse

    A common trait of sociopaths is their seemingly complete lack of remorse for anything they've done wrong. A sociopath might succeed in getting someone fired, for example, but feel no guilt whatsoever. According to professional counselor Gordon Shippey, sociopaths don't feel guilt for harming others as long as they can get what they want from them. Your co-worker might hide under the guise a friendly team player, when she's really secretly plotting ways to steal money from the company, for example. A sociopath has no problem using people to obtain wealth and power for themselves.

Lies and Exaggeration

    Sociopaths, in general, are born liars. They'll lie about everything. Dr. Martha Stout, in an interview with Kate Simon in "Interview" magazine, says that sociopaths lie just to see whether they can get away with it. If confronted with evidence of wrongdoing, the sociopath will accuse you of plotting against her and trying to get her into trouble. Sociopaths invent stories that sound ridiculous to others, but they'll claim that their tales are true even when they're obviously not.

Intelligence and Manipulation

    Sociopaths have the intelligence and charm to manipulate people to do their bidding. Many sociopaths seem friendly, outgoing and personable, at first. Over time, though, their true nature is revealed. A sociopath's ability to manipulate others can even allow them to develop a cult-like following. On the job, a sociopath might gather a small group of dedicated followers. These followers will listen to everything the sociopath has to say and protect her from accusations of wrongdoing.

How to Cope with a Sociopath at Work

    If you're fairly certain that you work with a sociopath, it's best to distance yourself from her as much as you can. Don't get on her bad side, or she may decide to make you her next victim. Gary Ludwig of JEMS Emergency Medical Services suggests that you do not try to befriend a sociopath. Sociopaths don't care for anyone but themselves and might see an attempt at friendship as a sign of weakness. If you know the sociopath is committing an illegal act, gather evidence and present it to a trustworthy supervisor, suggests Gordon Shippey. Don't take the evidence directly to the sociopath, since it will only anger her. If the sociopath is your boss, or there's little chance of her quitting or being fired, consider leaving the company before she turns against you.

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