Psychopaths are often attracted to start-ups and small businesses like flies to a light bulb.
The devastation they cause can rip apart the insides of any new business ruining its reputation or causing total implosion.
In this article, we look at how you can recognise if your start-up partner is a psychopath and how you can avoid the devastation that they will cause.
What is a psychopath?
Psychopathy is a personality disorder identified by traits such as manipulation, lack of empathy, impulsivity and rather surprisingly a charming and alluring exterior.
This means that psychopaths are often initially liked and even admired but their behaviour will often result in reckless, even illegal behaviour ruining any business they go near in the end.
Worst still, psychopaths are often attracted to high-stake careers such as lawyers, civil servants, politicians, surgeons and yes, CEOs.
It should be noted that not all psychopaths are murderers, however, their behavioural traits can be considerably destructive in a work environment.
Identifying traits
Manipulation
Psychopaths will initially get everyone onboard with charisma and charm, they will often be liked at first.
But slowly their demands will become greater and greater. Part of the manipulation is fostering a ‘culture’, a cult-like following of believers.
Psychopaths require total control over their victims so they will initiate their followers by demanding outrageous, even unlawful behaviour to test who is most loyal.
Any persons that are not totally devoted will be ostracised, ejected or destroyed.
Lack of Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and reflect on the needs of others. Unfortunately, psychopaths lack the capacity to care for anyone or anything apart from their own needs or objectives.
This manifests in leadership styles that are harsh, cruel and relentless. The psychopathic leader will prioritise success and money above everything else, including the well-being of their team and even customers.
Narcissistic concerns with recognition
True entrepreneurs are often fearless in their pursuits and often defy social norms in order to disrupt their industry of choice.
Unfortunately, these traits are the same reason a psychopath founder may be attracted to a start-up in the first place. They will use the business to grow and foster the adulation and recognition that they crave.
Ethical Considerations
Psychopath founders may publicly voice their concerns about unethical behaviour but deep down they will have no regard.
Remember, a psychopath founder will be highly concerned about image, so the image they project will be totally ethical even ‘god-like’, while under the surface there will be a rats nest of unethical behaviour.
Psychopath founders should be judged not by what they say but by what they do. Psychopathic leaders will have no problem saying one thing publicly and doing the total opposite in private.
Short-Term Focus
Psychopathic leaders will always be looking for adulation, so they will often focus on short-term gains. These short-term wins will often come at the expense of the long-term sustainability of the business.
Psychopathic leaders will have no problem lying, cheating or using unlawful means to meet their short-term objectives.
Often a psychopathic leader will be characterised by a quick and meteoric rise to fame. Their initial ‘success’ will be so alluring that few will dare to ask how such success could be gained so quickly without foul play.
Dealing with the psychopath
Once the traits of a psychopath have been identified the issue remains as to how to deal with them.
As discussed, the psychopathic leader will have no remorse if they find out that they have been exposed, so you need to tread carefully.
Communicate clearly
Choose your words carefully and remain composed. Do not use emotional or confrontational language. Remember anything you say will be used against you. Use facts backed up with evidence to support your points.
Document Everything
Ensure you keep records of all your interactions with the psychopathic founder. This documentation will be crucial if you ever need to address any issues formally or if there are issues with illegality.
Having a well-documented history can protect you from manipulation or even accusations of being the perpetrator of any suspect activities.
Plan an Exit Strategy
You may need to find a legal route to cut ties with the psychopathic founder. This may involve negotiating a buyout, selling your stake in the company, or pursuing other avenues that allow you to disentangle yourself from the partnership.
Ensure the psychopathic founder does not catch wind of your plans or the retaliation will be swift and destructive.
Final thoughts
Unfortunately, the traits that are admirable in an entrepreneur such as charisma, striving for success and resilience are some of the same traits that psychopathic founders have in abundance.
This can make it difficult to identify the bad apples. Hopefully, this article will go some way to providing some key traits to look out for.
If entrepreneurs are to be successful in creating a future that is abundant for all, it is essential that psychopathic founders are not applauded or supported in any way.
To continue in a world where psychopathic leaders are rewarded and even admired is counterproductive.
This behaviour is not exclusive to the world of business. We can see the effects of psychopathic leaders in politics, media and even religion.
These behaviours are destructive and will cause society to rot from the inside if left unchecked.
We can start by ensuring our businesses are free from such behaviour today!
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***Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice and is given for informational and entertainment purposes only. Readers should conduct their own research and not invest more than they can afford to lose. Crypto is extremely volatile, and as such can drop in value considerably without notice. Pop Up World has a global presence and is not specifically targeting any jurisdiction with its content. Any crypto references are not intended for UK businesses or consumers. You should always seek legal advice to understand if the use or investment in crypto is allowed in your jurisdiction.
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