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ثعابين في بذلات العمل: عندما يذهب السيكوباتيون إلى العمل
لنفترض إنك على وشك تعيين شخص ما في منصب بشركتك. وتريد الشركة شخصًا لا يهاب شيء ولديه جاذبية شخصية ولا تخلو جعبته من الأفكار الجديدة. يتمتع المرشح (س) بالجاذبية والذكاء ولديه الإجابات الصحيحة على أسئلتك. ألا يعد هذا حلاً للمشكلة؟ ربما لا يكون كذلك. نرغب في الاعتقاد بأننا نستطيع كشف أي شخص ليس لديه ضمير وقادر على فعل أي شيء لو كان يفي بغرضه. في الثقافة الشعبية تشتهر صورة المعتل نفسيًا بأنه مثل السفاح هانيبال ليكتر أو القاتل المتسلسل دينيس ريدر. لكن في الواقع لا يريد عديد من المعتلين نفسيًا سوى المال أو السلطة أو الشهرة أو سيارة أنيقة ببساطة. فإلى أين يذهب هؤلاء المعتلون نفسيًا؟ عادة ما يقصدون عالم الشركات. درس عالمي النفس بول بابياك وروبرت هير المعتلين نفسيًا لفترة طويلة. يعد هير، مؤلف كتاب "بلا ضمير" خبير مرموق عالميًا في الاعتلال النفسي، وبابياك إخصائي نفسي في المؤسسات الصناعية والمنظمات. وقد تعاون الاثنان لاحقًا لدراسة كيفية تصرف المعتلين نفسيًا في الشركات، فكانت النتائج مدهشة. إذ اكتشفوا أن هذا العالم العصري المنفتح والأكثر مرونة في الشركات والذي يمكن أن ينطوي على مخاطرات شديدة، يمكن أن يحقق أيضًا أرباحًا طائلة، والتي تجذب المعتلين نفسيًا بدورها. ربما يقدمون أنفسهم بصفتهم نجومًا صاعدة أو منقذين للشركة، لكن سرعان ما يخونون ثقة زملائهم ويتلاعبون بمشرفيهم ويغادرون مكان العمل مخلفين خرابًا ورائهم. " ثعابين في بذلات العمل" كتاب جذاب وعلمي يلقي نظرة فاحصة على الكيفية التي يعمل بها المعتلون نفسيًا في بيئة الشركات: ما نوع الشركات التي تجذبهم، وكيف يفاوضون أثناء مراحل تعيينهم وكيف يتصرفون يومًا بيوم. سوف تتعلم كيف يطبقون أساليبهم "الغريزية" في التلاعب – مثل تقيمهم للأهداف المحتملة والتحكم في الضحايا المؤثرين وكيف يهجرون من لا يعودون ذوي فائدة لهم – بعمل الشركة مثل التعيين والتحكمات السياسية، وفي نفس الوقت الاختباء تحت مظلة ثقافة الشركة. إنه كتاب يتحتم قراءته على كل من يعمل في عالم الشركات، لأنه أيًا كانت درجتك الوظيفية، سوف تتعلم إشارات التحذير المعقدة التي تبدر من سلوك المعتل نفسيًا وتكون قادراً على حماية نفسك وشركتك.. قبل فوات الأوان.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2006
About the author
عمر فايد
20 books47 followersعمل في مهنة الترجمة لما يربو على ثلاث عشرة سنة، كانت البداية الفارقة فيها مع جمعية المترجمين واللغويين المصرين، وذلك عقب إتمامه لدراسة الأدب الإنجليزي بجامعة المنصورة وحصوله على الشهادة التأسيسية لدبلوم الترجمة الفورية من الجامعة الأمريكية بالقاهرة. ثم تناوب بعدها على التعامل مع مختلف شركات ومكاتب الترجمة المرموقة في ترجمة العقود والشهادات وما إلى ذلك، ومن ثم اتجه إلى ترجمة الكتب ابتداءً من إبريل عام 2019 إلى الأن. ومن أهم أعماله المترجمة (مت فارغًا - خرافة النباتية - اغتصاب العقل - ثعابين في بذلات العمل - إذن بالشعور - موت الخبرة - التعافي من الاعتداء المستتر - رغد العيش - عقل فوق العقل - الغوريلا الخفية) وروايات منها (حياة نينا هيل المولعة بالكتب) و(شهادة زور) و(في غابة حالكة الظلام) وصدرت له رواية «رأس البر» بقلمه عن دار شفق الكويتية.
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April 29, 2019
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Wow, it's the first book I've actually finished in almost two months. I honestly can't tell you the last time I went this long without reading, and to be completely, 100% honest, it's because Goodreads and blogging almost ruined reading for me. Goodreads used to be one of my favorite sites and I used to love reading and blogging for books, but increasingly, Goodreads started to feel more and more commercial, and the reviewers and authors on there started to feel way more entitled. I kept seeing authors whining about negative reviews, and I kept getting users coming onto my (mostly negative) reviews to engage with me repeatedly, despite my attempts to make it clear I had no interest in discussing with them Why They Believe My Opinion Is Wrong and Why They Are Entitled to Tell Me So. More and more, writing reviews started to feel like a very stressful job I wasn't being paid for, so I deleted about a thousand ARCs (advance reader copies) of books I'd been approved for from my device and stopped using Goodreads for about two months except to read comments and occasionally respond to people who checked in.
I get that Goodreads is a commercial website that is free to use and one of the ways they keep the site running is by advertising revenue, but at the same time, promoting that kind of atmosphere creates a site that can become exhausting to use because it rewards spammy behavior of self-promoting reviewers and authors who only want to engage with you because they want something from you. I'm really not interested in a quid pro quo relationship and I've dealt with too many authors and reviewers who act like anything that they write is gospel truth, and if you disagree with anything they say, you're out of the cult - no questions. I've also dealt with too many people who take a review of a book as a personal attack, discussion of racism as racism, disliking books written by people of color as not liking people of color, and criticism as general negativity. It's possible to disagree in opinions without resorting to insults, and I really wish people could get over their own discomfort with weighty topics long enough to realize that they're adding to the problem by acting like talking about it is a problem.
Anyway, I'm back and I'm tired and I'm probably not going to use the site as actively as I used to, but I still have books to read that I bought with my own money that I will be reviewing. Like this one, SNAKES IN SUITS. (Sorry for the earlier rant, but I value transparency and felt like it was important to talk about why I basically disappeared for two months without really saying anything.) SNAKES IN SUITS is part psychology book, part business book, and maybe part self-help. It's written by one of the guys who created the Psychopath Test, which is a test you can take to find out how much of a sociopath you are. I haven't taken the test myself, but I'm sure some of my haters probably think I'd get a perfect score. As a psychology major, I'm skeptical of tests. I think people want to think the best of themselves generally, and are prone to answering in a biased way because of things like cognitive dissonance or even because they want the researcher to like them more.
I had a lot of problems with SNAKES IN SUITS. It features stories that I think are made up or compounded of actual interactions with sociopaths. They come across as cutesy Lifetime synopses, and feel way too dramatic to take seriously, even though I'm sure they're representative of actual interactions with psychopaths. I also feel like the book isn't particularly helpful because the general takeaway message I seemed to get from these was, "Avoid them if possible, because once you get involved, you're totally screwed - good luck, Jan." I was expecting something more scientific, comparing psychopaths in the general population, psychopaths in the prison system, psychopaths in corporate positions (hence the title), and things like recidivism, pros and cons, and evolutionary bases for why psychopathy has an evolutionary advantage in the first place (opportunistic bastards).
I would not recommend this book to people who are looking for help in dealing with psychopaths in the workplace OR for people who are interested in studying psychopathy. It reads like a cheap, pop psychology book and wasn't particularly informative or helpful, imho.
2 stars
March 11, 2022
Inmates in Charge of the Asylum
Snakes in Suits describes what most of us already know about corporate organisations, namely that there are an awful lot of nasty people who can make life miserable. Many of these are clinically psychopathic. But knowing how to identify the psychopaths and documenting how many there are in managerial positions just isn’t possible. Nor would it make much difference if we could. What we have at the moment is merely a (unstable) description of a condition and its putative aetiology:
The authors provide a range of suggestions for corporate recruiting, mainly to the HR department, which they believe will help spot psychopaths before they are hired. But these suggestions are the result of anecdotal case studies and professional intuition alone and don’t amount to much in the corporate milieu. Despite the authors’ claims that progress has been since the first suggestion of the issue in 1941 (by Cleckley in The Mask of Sanity), no practical results have been forthcoming.
The disease of corporate psychopathy is largely invisible except to the people who experience it directly. And it is likely to remain so for several reasons. In the first instance the so-called diagnostic criteria used to identify carriers are vague and unstable. As far as I am aware, for example, the three main diagnostic tests (PCL:R, PCL:SV, and PCL:YV) have not even been tested against each other, much less against non-criminal or other non-institutionalised populations. In any case, psychopaths are notoriously skilled at confounding both lie detectors and self-reporting psychiatric tests.
Further, the ‘factors’ in each test are frequently overdetermined and could point to a number of conditions in the so-called Dark Triad of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism among many other disorders. So diagnosis is a linguistic game of ‘traits’. Consequently it’s really not possible to estimate the incidence of psychopathy accurately. For example:
From a purely epistemological viewpoint the classification of mental disorders therefore becomes meaningless except to clinicians, and often not even to them. As a corporate employee, how would I distinguish empathy in a candidate? In any case, do I really care that the boss who is bullying the entire department is psychotic or merely anti-social?
Moreover spotting these traits outside of intensive psychiatric settings is simply impossible. Psychopaths are master impersonators who can outwit even experienced professionals much less typical HR managers during a relatively brief interview. We have an apparently built-in presumption that others are like ourselves. Psychopaths, however, are an entirely different species and they exploit that presumption mercilessly.
And of course the self-referential problem of psychopathy in corporate organisations is obvious as well as inherently insurmountable. If the hypothesis that a substantial number of corporate executives are psychopathic, particularly at senior levels, is true, then who is likely to commission and interpret relevant research in the area? The psychopaths naturally.
And even if useful criteria were developed from research, just imagine the potential legal liability. Given the nature of the disease itself - hidden, manipulative, clever, remorseless - proving a diagnosis in court for the rejection of a candidate or the termination of an executive is a punt no intelligent CEO would take (presuming he or she wasn’t psychopathic!). According to some, psychopathic traits are just the ticket for improving corporate performance. What judge would dare step into the quagmire of such an arbitrary assessment of qualifications?
So I suppose we are all stuck with the casual torture of corporate existence. It’s just another one of life’s inadequacies to deal with. Psychopaths, like the poor, are always with us.
Snakes in Suits describes what most of us already know about corporate organisations, namely that there are an awful lot of nasty people who can make life miserable. Many of these are clinically psychopathic. But knowing how to identify the psychopaths and documenting how many there are in managerial positions just isn’t possible. Nor would it make much difference if we could. What we have at the moment is merely a (unstable) description of a condition and its putative aetiology:
“Psychopathy is not solely a product of social and environmental forces. Genetic factors play an important role in the formation of the personality traits and temperament considered essential to the disorder. However, its lifelong expression is the result of complex interactions between biological/temperamental predispositions and social forces.
The authors provide a range of suggestions for corporate recruiting, mainly to the HR department, which they believe will help spot psychopaths before they are hired. But these suggestions are the result of anecdotal case studies and professional intuition alone and don’t amount to much in the corporate milieu. Despite the authors’ claims that progress has been since the first suggestion of the issue in 1941 (by Cleckley in The Mask of Sanity), no practical results have been forthcoming.
The disease of corporate psychopathy is largely invisible except to the people who experience it directly. And it is likely to remain so for several reasons. In the first instance the so-called diagnostic criteria used to identify carriers are vague and unstable. As far as I am aware, for example, the three main diagnostic tests (PCL:R, PCL:SV, and PCL:YV) have not even been tested against each other, much less against non-criminal or other non-institutionalised populations. In any case, psychopaths are notoriously skilled at confounding both lie detectors and self-reporting psychiatric tests.
Further, the ‘factors’ in each test are frequently overdetermined and could point to a number of conditions in the so-called Dark Triad of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism among many other disorders. So diagnosis is a linguistic game of ‘traits’. Consequently it’s really not possible to estimate the incidence of psychopathy accurately. For example:
“The difference between psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder is that the former includes personality traits such as lack of empathy, grandiosity, and shallow emotions that are not necessary for a diagnosis of ASPD.”
From a purely epistemological viewpoint the classification of mental disorders therefore becomes meaningless except to clinicians, and often not even to them. As a corporate employee, how would I distinguish empathy in a candidate? In any case, do I really care that the boss who is bullying the entire department is psychotic or merely anti-social?
Moreover spotting these traits outside of intensive psychiatric settings is simply impossible. Psychopaths are master impersonators who can outwit even experienced professionals much less typical HR managers during a relatively brief interview. We have an apparently built-in presumption that others are like ourselves. Psychopaths, however, are an entirely different species and they exploit that presumption mercilessly.
And of course the self-referential problem of psychopathy in corporate organisations is obvious as well as inherently insurmountable. If the hypothesis that a substantial number of corporate executives are psychopathic, particularly at senior levels, is true, then who is likely to commission and interpret relevant research in the area? The psychopaths naturally.
And even if useful criteria were developed from research, just imagine the potential legal liability. Given the nature of the disease itself - hidden, manipulative, clever, remorseless - proving a diagnosis in court for the rejection of a candidate or the termination of an executive is a punt no intelligent CEO would take (presuming he or she wasn’t psychopathic!). According to some, psychopathic traits are just the ticket for improving corporate performance. What judge would dare step into the quagmire of such an arbitrary assessment of qualifications?
So I suppose we are all stuck with the casual torture of corporate existence. It’s just another one of life’s inadequacies to deal with. Psychopaths, like the poor, are always with us.
July 24, 2011
I read this as a follow up to Jon Ronson’s marvelous Psychopath Test, which was named for the diagnostic criteria Dr. Hare developed. I ended up skimming quite a bit of it because it was what it was billed to be – a book about dealing with psychopaths in the workplace, largely from a corporate management perspective. It’s good, but spent way too much time cautioning the reader to not do exactly what it was telling us how to do – realize that there are psychopaths among us and reducing the harm they can cause.
Gave me a name for something I’ve seen in both my personal and professional life – “the psychopathic bond.” The bond the psychopath will cultivate in another that allows them to feed. Raising the question – are psychopath vampires?
Also told me something I should have known, but didn’t. I shall quote. “It is important to note that psychopathy is a personality disorder, and that personality disorders are not the same as mental illness. At a basic level, a personal with a personality disorder has a limited range of stereotyped ‘solutions’ that he or she applies to most of the problems accounted in life. Those without a personality disorder are able to apply a variety of behaviors, depending on what best suits the situations.” (40)
Made me a little depressed with regard to domestic violence treatment and anger management therapy. Says that psychopaths will embrace such treatment to get out of jail, but there is no evidence it changes their behavior in any way, though they do apparently get high marks. The psychopath is apparently very good at faking it to get a passing grade, but internalizes none of it.
Had a tragic ending, illustrating, I think, the unspoken subtext of the book – if there’s a psychopath in your life, get away as soon as possible. A subtext that is in dramatic tension with the overt “you’re not qualified to judge if someone’s a psychopath.” Ah, modern life.
Ronson’s book was better.
Gave me a name for something I’ve seen in both my personal and professional life – “the psychopathic bond.” The bond the psychopath will cultivate in another that allows them to feed. Raising the question – are psychopath vampires?
Also told me something I should have known, but didn’t. I shall quote. “It is important to note that psychopathy is a personality disorder, and that personality disorders are not the same as mental illness. At a basic level, a personal with a personality disorder has a limited range of stereotyped ‘solutions’ that he or she applies to most of the problems accounted in life. Those without a personality disorder are able to apply a variety of behaviors, depending on what best suits the situations.” (40)
Made me a little depressed with regard to domestic violence treatment and anger management therapy. Says that psychopaths will embrace such treatment to get out of jail, but there is no evidence it changes their behavior in any way, though they do apparently get high marks. The psychopath is apparently very good at faking it to get a passing grade, but internalizes none of it.
Had a tragic ending, illustrating, I think, the unspoken subtext of the book – if there’s a psychopath in your life, get away as soon as possible. A subtext that is in dramatic tension with the overt “you’re not qualified to judge if someone’s a psychopath.” Ah, modern life.
Ronson’s book was better.
June 11, 2011
Excellent book. I ordered this for my Kindle at the recommendation of a friend who is a psychologist while battling to deal with a boss who was rude, abusive, manipulative and a non-performer. She disguised it all by terrorizing staff, and then could be charming and articulate when needed.
I have always worked well with colleagues and been in environments (but for the SABC in Johannesburg, which has been toxic for years) where people respect, if not enjoy, each other and perform well.
This woman, an outspoken Christian, gave new meaning to the 6 letters that spell terror.
Before reading this book I was confused by her hostility. I have always performed well and have platinum recommendations. I maintain long friendships with former colleagues, clients and bosses. And so I was contemplating chatting with her and trying to find a mechanism to move forward, this book made it clear that was not the right approach.
Psychopaths in the workplace will lie, steal, cajole and charm to get what they want - they do not tolerate anyone who they realize is onto their lies and manipulation, nor anyone who is competent and a threat to their position. They do not realize that having strong clever people around you boosts you, the boss - they see it as a threat. They are the bosses who surround themselves with sycophantic incompetents because it makes them look good, besides which, you're replaceable.
They take pleasure in destroying others.
If you are dealing with a boss or colleague where you feel confused, dispirited and unable to quite put your finger on what is wrong. Read this book. Your colleague may not be a psychopath, but regrettably a significant number are. Either way, it carries good examples, is well-written and leaves you with important thoughts to reflect on. I ploughed through it in a weekend.
I have always worked well with colleagues and been in environments (but for the SABC in Johannesburg, which has been toxic for years) where people respect, if not enjoy, each other and perform well.
This woman, an outspoken Christian, gave new meaning to the 6 letters that spell terror.
Before reading this book I was confused by her hostility. I have always performed well and have platinum recommendations. I maintain long friendships with former colleagues, clients and bosses. And so I was contemplating chatting with her and trying to find a mechanism to move forward, this book made it clear that was not the right approach.
Psychopaths in the workplace will lie, steal, cajole and charm to get what they want - they do not tolerate anyone who they realize is onto their lies and manipulation, nor anyone who is competent and a threat to their position. They do not realize that having strong clever people around you boosts you, the boss - they see it as a threat. They are the bosses who surround themselves with sycophantic incompetents because it makes them look good, besides which, you're replaceable.
They take pleasure in destroying others.
If you are dealing with a boss or colleague where you feel confused, dispirited and unable to quite put your finger on what is wrong. Read this book. Your colleague may not be a psychopath, but regrettably a significant number are. Either way, it carries good examples, is well-written and leaves you with important thoughts to reflect on. I ploughed through it in a weekend.
November 11, 2015
I read a book on psychopathy some years ago and it...disturbed me. The idea that psychopaths may walk, live and work among us quite commonly was at least an eye opener. Since then I've read several books about the phenomena.
This book is mostly about finding those with a psychopathic personality before they get hired.
For me the "the names have been changed" (not to protect the innocent but to forestall legal action) case studies were probably the most interesting and helpful parts. I think you'll find this informative, eye opening and (again) even a little disturbing.
That is not to say most will be shocked or even surprised. Unless you're a crafts-person or some kind of artisan who never has to work with anyone else you'll have met these people.
Come to think of it you probably still had to do business with others so i would guess that everyone will at one time or another have met some of these people...or worse have worked under them.
As noted some will have far more practical use for the information here than others and the book isn't the best I've read but still, it's interesting and (I think) worth reading.
This book is mostly about finding those with a psychopathic personality before they get hired.
For me the "the names have been changed" (not to protect the innocent but to forestall legal action) case studies were probably the most interesting and helpful parts. I think you'll find this informative, eye opening and (again) even a little disturbing.
That is not to say most will be shocked or even surprised. Unless you're a crafts-person or some kind of artisan who never has to work with anyone else you'll have met these people.
Come to think of it you probably still had to do business with others so i would guess that everyone will at one time or another have met some of these people...or worse have worked under them.
As noted some will have far more practical use for the information here than others and the book isn't the best I've read but still, it's interesting and (I think) worth reading.
January 26, 2010
This could have been about a third of the length and not lost content. It is VERY repetitive. I'm not sure how helpful it is, either, although the last couple of chapters do make a pass at offering hints about how to cope if one is working with such a snake.
The authors also claim that not all corporations are psychopathic. I wonder about this, since the legal mandate for corps is precisely psychopathic: they are legally required to do everything possible to improve shareholder value/profits, no matter what the cost is to society at large or their own workers. By the definitions in the book, that sounds scarily close to psychopathy to me!
In short: not really recommended. "The Sociopath Next Door" was much better-written and more helpful. With this one, I was hoping for some info that would make some sense of some of the huge corporate scandals of recent years, but there was really nothing like that.
The authors also claim that not all corporations are psychopathic. I wonder about this, since the legal mandate for corps is precisely psychopathic: they are legally required to do everything possible to improve shareholder value/profits, no matter what the cost is to society at large or their own workers. By the definitions in the book, that sounds scarily close to psychopathy to me!
In short: not really recommended. "The Sociopath Next Door" was much better-written and more helpful. With this one, I was hoping for some info that would make some sense of some of the huge corporate scandals of recent years, but there was really nothing like that.
April 22, 2013
Very recently I found out that a coworker of mine was misrepresenting me and my work to others in the company and vice versa, setting up a destructive conflict between administrative divisions. One of the first things I did was procure a copy of this book in order to focus on what my coping strategy would be when dealing with a coworker of that nature. In some respects, the book was very helpful in giving a clear sense of the behavioral patterns that can exist when people with psychopathic tendencies are in the workplace. However, it is clearly a pop psychology book focused on an approach to the topic from a managerial perspective.
The biggest problem seemed to be almost a contradictory split between the book proclaiming multiple times that laymen should never attempt to diagnose someone as a psychopath, then give strategies on what to do when dealing with those people. Frankly, 99% of us, including most managers don't have the time or resources to consult with a psychologist when dealing with these folks. Also, when you strip down all the extra verbiage and managerial patter (and there's a lot of that), a lot of it becomes "The easiest way to deal with these people is to suss them out at the application process, or if you're a manager, using performance reviews to slowly ease them out." Most of the help for coworkers being targeted by these people and managers whose work situations have already been compromised is "Cover your ass, stay off their radar, and well, you really ought to look for another job before you lose your mind and/or reputation to these people. Oh, and if you go head to head with them, you will lose."
As such, this is a good book to read *before* heading out into the workplace, so you can see these patterns emerge before you get individually wrapped up in them. The person in question at my workplace, found my buttons and by proxy pushed them over and over again until my reputation was rubbish. It's too late for me at this place, but at least *now* I know what should be triggering my alarm bells at any other place I work.
One of the biggest pieces of advice the book gives *is not* highlighted well enough, and they are what became my downfall. The book suggests that you should never be a complainer. I cannot emphasize that enough. Being negative makes it easy for you to become a mark and patsy, and if you're negative about people or institutions in the workplace, you provide valuable ammunition for these people to use against you and others. Consequently, avoid all office gossip or color commentary on work tasks. Do your job well, keep all job talk objective and personality free, and if you're socializing with coworkers keep it light and away from things that could be used against you, or for currying your favor.
The biggest problem seemed to be almost a contradictory split between the book proclaiming multiple times that laymen should never attempt to diagnose someone as a psychopath, then give strategies on what to do when dealing with those people. Frankly, 99% of us, including most managers don't have the time or resources to consult with a psychologist when dealing with these folks. Also, when you strip down all the extra verbiage and managerial patter (and there's a lot of that), a lot of it becomes "The easiest way to deal with these people is to suss them out at the application process, or if you're a manager, using performance reviews to slowly ease them out." Most of the help for coworkers being targeted by these people and managers whose work situations have already been compromised is "Cover your ass, stay off their radar, and well, you really ought to look for another job before you lose your mind and/or reputation to these people. Oh, and if you go head to head with them, you will lose."
As such, this is a good book to read *before* heading out into the workplace, so you can see these patterns emerge before you get individually wrapped up in them. The person in question at my workplace, found my buttons and by proxy pushed them over and over again until my reputation was rubbish. It's too late for me at this place, but at least *now* I know what should be triggering my alarm bells at any other place I work.
One of the biggest pieces of advice the book gives *is not* highlighted well enough, and they are what became my downfall. The book suggests that you should never be a complainer. I cannot emphasize that enough. Being negative makes it easy for you to become a mark and patsy, and if you're negative about people or institutions in the workplace, you provide valuable ammunition for these people to use against you and others. Consequently, avoid all office gossip or color commentary on work tasks. Do your job well, keep all job talk objective and personality free, and if you're socializing with coworkers keep it light and away from things that could be used against you, or for currying your favor.
December 4, 2022
كتاب عن غياب التعاطف في بيئة العمل
والتي تشكل ظاهرة حقيقيّة لا يمكن تجاهلها
عبر قصّتين تتوسّطها مجموعة مقالات
قصّة ديف معبّرة للغاية ونهايتها صادمة
والمقالات جميلة وعميقة والتقارير مؤلمة
غير أنّي شعرت بأنّ الكتاب قال كلّ شيء
في أقلّ من ربع الكتاب والباقي تمطيط
.
المنظّمات الربحيّة وغيرها، بأصولها النظرية والوجودية
مجرّد إفراز من الثقافة الغربيّة المادّيّة العلمويّة البرغماتيّة
والتي تمّ اختراعها بطريقة لا تسمح لها بمراعاة الأخلاق
بل إنّها "تمثّل خلاصة العداء للشريعة" كما عند وائل حلّاق
-وشواهدها الفلسفيّة السياقيّة والعلميّة الإداريّة لا تنتهي-
لذا فالمنظّمات من أكثر الوحوش الضارية تدميرًا للطبيعة
تلك العلامات التجارية اللطيفة والشخصيّات الاعتباريّة الورقيّة
بل، قد لا تكون مبالغة لو قيل بأنّ المنظّمات هي فرعون العصر
الذي يستعبد الناس ويقدم لهم معاييره للخير والشر والولاء والبراء
وحتّى مع التحفّظ، والتدقيق، والرصانة، يمكن القول بأنّ المنظّمات
هي الغطاء القانونيّ لقائمة واسعة من الجرائم والانتهاكات المدمّرة
تمارسها عصابات بالغة الأناقة واللباقة دون أيّ تبعات ولا في الضمير
المنظمات زومبي تدهس ما يمرّ على ركضها المجنون نحو مستهدفاتها
ستمزّق الحياة الاجتماعيّة وتزيل الغابات وتثقب الأوزون وتعذّب الأبقار
وتملأ الطعام بالكيماويات وتخفي الحقائق وتتجاهل القيم وتركّع النبلاء للسفلة
وتتحكّم بخواطر الإنسان وابتسامته ومعجمه ولباسه ويومه لتحقيق أعلى الكفاءة
ولهذا .. يترقى في المنظمات الأقرب لأرواحها السوداء
أولئك المتخمون بالنرجسيّة المصابون بالعمى السايكوباتي
-العاجزين عن التعاطف مع الآخرين بل ينظرون لهم كوسائل-
.
يقول أحدهم: عملت يومًا مع إنسان بهيّ الطلّة، متورّد الخدّين، لكنّ معدتي كانت تحترق حموضة بمجرّد النظر إليه، وأجد صعوبة شديدة في مجاهدة احتقاره، ليس لأن بطنه يصل للمكتب قبله بثانيتين، بل لأنه يطرح آراءه كحقائق كونيّة بديهيّة، ويلقي اقتراحاته كتوجيهات لا تحتمل التأخير
لا يرى الحياة إلّا كقطار ذي اتجاه واحد، مسرع نحو مصالحه وحده، لا تستطيع حتّى ناسا أن تقنعه بأنّه ليس محور الكون، سيقاطعهم ويثرثر لهم عن معرفته الواسعة عن سرعة الضوء، وبأنّه نسي -الان فقط- المسافة بين الأرض والشمس لكنّه قرأ عنها ضمن مقروءاته الفلكيّة الواسعة، وسينسحب فريق الوكالة بابتسامة مفضوحة الضجر، لكنّه يستمرّ طيلة حياته يزعم بأنّها ابتسامة انبهار، ولا يمكن لها إلا أن تكون كذلك، فهو خبير النفس البشريّة وصاحب رحلة اكتشاف ذات "عميقة وممتعة" في البوسنة مع أنّه لم يفارق شبكات التواصل ولا جناح أبيه المريض، ولا يفوته الحديث في كلّ مجلس عن شغفه الشديد بعلم النفس متجاهلًا حقيقة اقتصاره على سماع حلقتين موجّهتين للأطفال في اليوتيوب، لا أحد يعرف شكل خريطة القارّات في ذهنه، لكنّهم يتوقعون بأن موضع قدميه هو مركز اليابسة، ولا يتوقّف عبثه عند الفلك والجغرافيا ونفوس الناس حوله، بل يمتدّ إلى التاريخ مثلًا، فهو على يقين غامض بأنّ كلّ الأحداث قبل مولده مقدّمة لحياته، وما بعد موته مجرّد نتائج لهذي الحياة الاستثنائيّة، وكأنّ خيوط الحضارات السابقة جميعًا امتدّت لتلتقي في حكايته الخارقة.. هذه النرجسيّة التي تهزم أوّل ما تهزم عقل ووعي وضمير النرجسيّ نفسه
.
أمّا على الصعيد المهنيّ، فلا تستطيع أن تتخيّل السايكوباتيّ إلّا مديرًا تافهًا عن عمد، تافهٌ متعصّب كما يصفه الفيلسوف آلان دونو، يعرف جميع الحيل، يستيقظ من نومه ليتساءل عن التكتيك الذي سيبتكره لنيل الحظوة لدى سلطة ما، وإزالة منافسيه، أستاذ في المكائد، يحمي نفسه دائمًا بفنّ عدم الاقتناع العميق بأيّ شيء، ممّا يعني أنه متاحٌ دائمًا لأن يصبح جزءًا من أيّ اصطفاف تفرضه الظروف، مرآة لزمانه، والمستقبل ينتظره، لا شيء سيوقفه، وسوف تزوّده حكمةً ما بمظهرِ أخلاقيّ في كلّ مرحلة من مساره، تكمن قوّته في أنّه غير قادر أبدًا على التفكير التأمّلي
.
أعتذر على المراجعة المطوّلة والتي لم أقل فيها ما أردت قوله
لذا أحيل لمراجعة كتاب نظام التفاهة حيث تتمّة الفكرة
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
والتي تشكل ظاهرة حقيقيّة لا يمكن تجاهلها
عبر قصّتين تتوسّطها مجموعة مقالات
قصّة ديف معبّرة للغاية ونهايتها صادمة
والمقالات جميلة وعميقة والتقارير مؤلمة
غير أنّي شعرت بأنّ الكتاب قال كلّ شيء
في أقلّ من ربع الكتاب والباقي تمطيط
.
المنظّمات الربحيّة وغيرها، بأصولها النظرية والوجودية
مجرّد إفراز من الثقافة الغربيّة المادّيّة العلمويّة البرغماتيّة
والتي تمّ اختراعها بطريقة لا تسمح لها بمراعاة الأخلاق
بل إنّها "تمثّل خلاصة العداء للشريعة" كما عند وائل حلّاق
-وشواهدها الفلسفيّة السياقيّة والعلميّة الإداريّة لا تنتهي-
لذا فالمنظّمات من أكثر الوحوش الضارية تدميرًا للطبيعة
تلك العلامات التجارية اللطيفة والشخصيّات الاعتباريّة الورقيّة
بل، قد لا تكون مبالغة لو قيل بأنّ المنظّمات هي فرعون العصر
الذي يستعبد الناس ويقدم لهم معاييره للخير والشر والولاء والبراء
وحتّى مع التحفّظ، والتدقيق، والرصانة، يمكن القول بأنّ المنظّمات
هي الغطاء القانونيّ لقائمة واسعة من الجرائم والانتهاكات المدمّرة
تمارسها عصابات بالغة الأناقة واللباقة دون أيّ تبعات ولا في الضمير
المنظمات زومبي تدهس ما يمرّ على ركضها المجنون نحو مستهدفاتها
ستمزّق الحياة الاجتماعيّة وتزيل الغابات وتثقب الأوزون وتعذّب الأبقار
وتملأ الطعام بالكيماويات وتخفي الحقائق وتتجاهل القيم وتركّع النبلاء للسفلة
وتتحكّم بخواطر الإنسان وابتسامته ومعجمه ولباسه ويومه لتحقيق أعلى الكفاءة
ولهذا .. يترقى في المنظمات الأقرب لأرواحها السوداء
أولئك المتخمون بالنرجسيّة المصابون بالعمى السايكوباتي
-العاجزين عن التعاطف مع الآخرين بل ينظرون لهم كوسائل-
.
يقول أحدهم: عملت يومًا مع إنسان بهيّ الطلّة، متورّد الخدّين، لكنّ معدتي كانت تحترق حموضة بمجرّد النظر إليه، وأجد صعوبة شديدة في مجاهدة احتقاره، ليس لأن بطنه يصل للمكتب قبله بثانيتين، بل لأنه يطرح آراءه كحقائق كونيّة بديهيّة، ويلقي اقتراحاته كتوجيهات لا تحتمل التأخير
لا يرى الحياة إلّا كقطار ذي اتجاه واحد، مسرع نحو مصالحه وحده، لا تستطيع حتّى ناسا أن تقنعه بأنّه ليس محور الكون، سيقاطعهم ويثرثر لهم عن معرفته الواسعة عن سرعة الضوء، وبأنّه نسي -الان فقط- المسافة بين الأرض والشمس لكنّه قرأ عنها ضمن مقروءاته الفلكيّة الواسعة، وسينسحب فريق الوكالة بابتسامة مفضوحة الضجر، لكنّه يستمرّ طيلة حياته يزعم بأنّها ابتسامة انبهار، ولا يمكن لها إلا أن تكون كذلك، فهو خبير النفس البشريّة وصاحب رحلة اكتشاف ذات "عميقة وممتعة" في البوسنة مع أنّه لم يفارق شبكات التواصل ولا جناح أبيه المريض، ولا يفوته الحديث في كلّ مجلس عن شغفه الشديد بعلم النفس متجاهلًا حقيقة اقتصاره على سماع حلقتين موجّهتين للأطفال في اليوتيوب، لا أحد يعرف شكل خريطة القارّات في ذهنه، لكنّهم يتوقعون بأن موضع قدميه هو مركز اليابسة، ولا يتوقّف عبثه عند الفلك والجغرافيا ونفوس الناس حوله، بل يمتدّ إلى التاريخ مثلًا، فهو على يقين غامض بأنّ كلّ الأحداث قبل مولده مقدّمة لحياته، وما بعد موته مجرّد نتائج لهذي الحياة الاستثنائيّة، وكأنّ خيوط الحضارات السابقة جميعًا امتدّت لتلتقي في حكايته الخارقة.. هذه النرجسيّة التي تهزم أوّل ما تهزم عقل ووعي وضمير النرجسيّ نفسه
.
أمّا على الصعيد المهنيّ، فلا تستطيع أن تتخيّل السايكوباتيّ إلّا مديرًا تافهًا عن عمد، تافهٌ متعصّب كما يصفه الفيلسوف آلان دونو، يعرف جميع الحيل، يستيقظ من نومه ليتساءل عن التكتيك الذي سيبتكره لنيل الحظوة لدى سلطة ما، وإزالة منافسيه، أستاذ في المكائد، يحمي نفسه دائمًا بفنّ عدم الاقتناع العميق بأيّ شيء، ممّا يعني أنه متاحٌ دائمًا لأن يصبح جزءًا من أيّ اصطفاف تفرضه الظروف، مرآة لزمانه، والمستقبل ينتظره، لا شيء سيوقفه، وسوف تزوّده حكمةً ما بمظهرِ أخلاقيّ في كلّ مرحلة من مساره، تكمن قوّته في أنّه غير قادر أبدًا على التفكير التأمّلي
.
أعتذر على المراجعة المطوّلة والتي لم أقل فيها ما أردت قوله
لذا أحيل لمراجعة كتاب نظام التفاهة حيث تتمّة الفكرة
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 6, 2013
They are not lying under every rock nor do they occupy every office, but unfortunately, more and more "snakes" are filling leadership positions in Corporate America. Depending on which study you read, between 4 and 30% of our managers and executives are social predators without conscience. Their thrill seeking behavior and political gamesmanship amasses them personal power without any regard to the consequences for either their companies or their co-workers. We've seen some obvious results of their presence in the economic disasters beginning with the Savings and Loan Crises of the 1980s and continuing today with this longest Recession in US history. What is much more extensive and not so obvious is the personal toll working with a psychopath has on the individual and the impact on employee productivity, as well as long term business viability.
The authors provide a good mix of short vignettes, research and a running end-to-end story about the 11 month journey of one psychopath from his hiring to his promotion into the job of the boss he ousted. Although it is practically impossible to protect yourself from a smooth talking, charming psychopath once targeted, the authors explain why and how our current fast paced and constantly changing business environment is the ideal setting for these modern day con-men. Not only does our modern concept of business with its constant re-invention provide jungle like cover for these predators, the less clearly defined skills of leadership, such as strategic thinking, self-confidence, bias towards action and good communication, tailor fit these chameleon-like masters of manipulation.
The thing to remember about psychopaths, aka sociopaths, is that they are totally rational and sane, yet without compassion or remorse. Neuroscience has proven with fMRI scans that psychopaths simply do not react in a normal manner to emotional stimuli. Consequently, although you may have bosses or co-workers in your environment who sometimes behave in a selfish egotistical manner that make working relationships challenging, when you are dealing with a true psychopath, there is no possibility of a positive outcome. Their destructive nature is as immutable as that of a poisonous snake.
Read the cautionary tale, Snakes and Suits, for some tips on how to recognize the corporate psychopath.
The authors provide a good mix of short vignettes, research and a running end-to-end story about the 11 month journey of one psychopath from his hiring to his promotion into the job of the boss he ousted. Although it is practically impossible to protect yourself from a smooth talking, charming psychopath once targeted, the authors explain why and how our current fast paced and constantly changing business environment is the ideal setting for these modern day con-men. Not only does our modern concept of business with its constant re-invention provide jungle like cover for these predators, the less clearly defined skills of leadership, such as strategic thinking, self-confidence, bias towards action and good communication, tailor fit these chameleon-like masters of manipulation.
The thing to remember about psychopaths, aka sociopaths, is that they are totally rational and sane, yet without compassion or remorse. Neuroscience has proven with fMRI scans that psychopaths simply do not react in a normal manner to emotional stimuli. Consequently, although you may have bosses or co-workers in your environment who sometimes behave in a selfish egotistical manner that make working relationships challenging, when you are dealing with a true psychopath, there is no possibility of a positive outcome. Their destructive nature is as immutable as that of a poisonous snake.
Read the cautionary tale, Snakes and Suits, for some tips on how to recognize the corporate psychopath.
July 14, 2023
الشيء الوحيد الذي يدفعك لانهاء قراءة هذا الكتاب هو إقرارك الشخصي والنفسي بأن كل ما ذكره المؤلف هنا ينطبق بشكل أو بأخر على محيط عملك! أو بمعنى أصح على الأشخاص الذين تشاركهم المهام الوظيفية اليومية!.
قد تبدو قوة تأثير البيئة المحيطة بك هامشياً وغير حقيقي، ولكن ما يحدث هو العكس اذ أن البيئة المحيطة قادرة إما على دفعك نحو الأعلى أو الهبوط لك للأسفل.
وتكاد تتشابه البيئات نعم بوجود هذه النوعية والتي تخلق من العمل متنفس مثالي لاظهار الجانب المرضي والسلبي منها - ولكن الأمر بتفاوت، بقدرة صناع القرار وأصحاب الأعمال -كون التجربة تتحدث عن القطاع الخاص فقط لا الحكومي - على إحداث الفرق الإيجابي.
ماذا بعد القراءة ؟
هو التيار نفسه يحملك ويحملهم لكن الوجهة مختلفة.
#أبجدية_فرح 3/5 📚
#ثعابين_في_بذلات_العمل
#candleflame23bookreviews
قد تبدو قوة تأثير البيئة المحيطة بك هامشياً وغير حقيقي، ولكن ما يحدث هو العكس اذ أن البيئة المحيطة قادرة إما على دفعك نحو الأعلى أو الهبوط لك للأسفل.
وتكاد تتشابه البيئات نعم بوجود هذه النوعية والتي تخلق من العمل متنفس مثالي لاظهار الجانب المرضي والسلبي منها - ولكن الأمر بتفاوت، بقدرة صناع القرار وأصحاب الأعمال -كون التجربة تتحدث عن القطاع الخاص فقط لا الحكومي - على إحداث الفرق الإيجابي.
ماذا بعد القراءة ؟
هو التيار نفسه يحملك ويحملهم لكن الوجهة مختلفة.
#أبجدية_فرح 3/5 📚
#ثعابين_في_بذلات_العمل
#candleflame23bookreviews
May 19, 2019
If you've ever encountered a boss/employee/coworker from hell, this book is a revelation on how someone like that got hired. A psychopath is a charismatic con artist skilled at playing the role to get the job. He/she is a compulsive liar and won't hesitate in manipulating and exploiting people to get what they want. He/she doesn't feel any remorse, guilt, or empathy. While there is good information in this book (e.g., don't believe it when a job candidate is too good to be true; have a formal interview process and do background checks), this book isn't structured very well. The stories created to illustrate the behaviors of psychopaths are broken up and interwoven with different chapters throughout the book. It's confusing trying to keep track of the stories and single syllable names of the psychopaths, like Dave, Ned, Ron, Ted, Dan, and Al.
September 12, 2011
I skimmed this book -- didn't have much use for the fictional narratives that the authors interspersed every other chapter. The most useful parts were pp 74-79 (how psychopaths gain people's trust), 270-89 (how to detect and protect yourself from psychopaths), and 301-13 (how to deal with psychopaths at work).
March 28, 2010
This is a fun read for the first few chapters but then just repetitive. I learned that "psychopath" isn't a diagnosis. The author has developed a checklist and diagnostic tools for psychopathy (a word I find oddly pleasant to say) but the only close real diagnosis is Antisocial personality disorder.
My biggest takeaway from this though is the idea that corporations act like psychopaths. I had never thought about that, but once I did, it couldn't be more obvious. I think that the larger the company, the more true it is. From the remorseless firing of the oldest, most tenured (and thus highest paid) workers to the superficial charms of the "corporate responsibility" departments, corporations are typically lacking in empathy and remorse (it is business), don't plan for the future (thanks to quarterly earnings reports), are adamantly self-promoting, lie as much as they can get away with, are secretive so as to prevent workers from ganging up on the company, particularly abou layoffs and worker salaries, etc, etc. I didn't think I could get much more cynical abt working for a large company, but this realization was like a lightening bolt and really changed my outlook a lot.
Here is a checklist, in case you want to identify anyone
Aggressive narcissism
Glibness/superficial charm
Grandiose sense of self-worth
Pathological lying
Cunning/manipulative
Lack of remorse or guilt
Emotionally shallow
Callous/lack of empathy
Failure to accept responsibility for own actions
Factor 2
Socially deviant lifestyle
Need for stimulation/proneness to boredom
Parasitic lifestyle
Poor behavioral control
Promiscuous sexual behavior
Lack of realistic, long-term goals
Impulsiveness
Irresponsibility
Juvenile delinquency
Early behavioral problems
Revocation of conditional release
My biggest takeaway from this though is the idea that corporations act like psychopaths. I had never thought about that, but once I did, it couldn't be more obvious. I think that the larger the company, the more true it is. From the remorseless firing of the oldest, most tenured (and thus highest paid) workers to the superficial charms of the "corporate responsibility" departments, corporations are typically lacking in empathy and remorse (it is business), don't plan for the future (thanks to quarterly earnings reports), are adamantly self-promoting, lie as much as they can get away with, are secretive so as to prevent workers from ganging up on the company, particularly abou layoffs and worker salaries, etc, etc. I didn't think I could get much more cynical abt working for a large company, but this realization was like a lightening bolt and really changed my outlook a lot.
Here is a checklist, in case you want to identify anyone
Aggressive narcissism
Glibness/superficial charm
Grandiose sense of self-worth
Pathological lying
Cunning/manipulative
Lack of remorse or guilt
Emotionally shallow
Callous/lack of empathy
Failure to accept responsibility for own actions
Factor 2
Socially deviant lifestyle
Need for stimulation/proneness to boredom
Parasitic lifestyle
Poor behavioral control
Promiscuous sexual behavior
Lack of realistic, long-term goals
Impulsiveness
Irresponsibility
Juvenile delinquency
Early behavioral problems
Revocation of conditional release
September 21, 2021
قبل تفرغي الحالي لترجمة الكتب سبق لي العمل في شركتي قطاع خاص أصقلا من خبراتي في التعامل مع المعتلين نفسيًا، محور حديث هذا الكتاب. لكن المفارقة بالنسبة لي هي الوصف الذي أطلقته على تجربة العمل الأول وأهم خبرة اكتسبتها حينئذ؛ كيفية ترويض "الثعابين" في إشارة إلى عدد لا بأس به من الأشخاص المحبين للتملق وإلحاق الأذى بالغير كلما سنحت لهم الفرصة والتعامل البارد الأجوف مع الجميع باستثناء أصحاب المناصب العليا ونوبات الغضب الطفولية وما إلى ذلك. وهو ما اعتبرته لقاحًا عند التحاقي بالعمل الثاني الذي وإن قلت فيه هذه النوعيات إلا إنه لم يخلو منها. وبعد أن تفهمت أكثر القول المأثور، "لا تريقن ماء وجهك لمن لا ماء في وجهه." كان ترويضهم أسهل واستباق ردود فعلهم بخطوة أمر تلقائي. وها قد مرت الأيام لأجد أمامي هذه التحفة الفنية التي تحمل نفس العنوان لوصف هذه النوعيات المعتلة نفسيًا من البشر.. "ثعابين!".
لو كنت في موضع النصح، لنصحت من يعملون في القطاع الخاص تحديداً بالتمعن في هذا الكتاب ليتداركوا ما يلحق بهم من أسى وأذى لا يعرفون أسبابه نظراً لحتمية وجود هذه الثعابين وازدهارها في القطاع الخاص والشركات الكبرى تحديداً كما ذكر طيه. ولأوصيت به كدليل استرشادي لكل حديثي التخرج أو من ليس لهم عهد بالعمل الخاص بعد. ربما تقل نسبتهم أو قلما صادفهم في دائرة المقربين منك، لكن لن تخلو مرحلة في حياتك من وجود "صداقة" زائفة مع أحدهم. إلا إن الخسارة تتضاعف إذا مس الأمر عملك، لهذا كان محور الكتاب عن المعتلين نفسيًا في ثياب العمل. ربما تتأثر ثقتك بنفسك وتعجز مع مرحلة (الهجر) المفاجئة التي أشير إليها.. لكن تلكم فائدة القراءة.
وكي لا تخلط بين من لديهم بعض سمات الاعتلال النفسي أو حتى أصحاب الأهداف المؤقتة التي تجبرهم (خطأً) على استحضار مرحلي لبعض هذه السمات وبين المعتلين نفسيًا، عليك أن تقرأ تفصيليًا وتفهم من خبيرين محنكين في علم النفس وفي فن الحياة عمومًا كيف يتصرف هؤلاء وكيف ترصدهم. مزج الكتاب بين الشكل القصصي المثير والتبسيط العلمي غير المخل والأحداث الحقيقية الموثقة، في نسيج بديع سيعجب القارئ حتمًا. ودون استطراد أكثر من هذا، أترككم مع الكتاب.
لو كنت في موضع النصح، لنصحت من يعملون في القطاع الخاص تحديداً بالتمعن في هذا الكتاب ليتداركوا ما يلحق بهم من أسى وأذى لا يعرفون أسبابه نظراً لحتمية وجود هذه الثعابين وازدهارها في القطاع الخاص والشركات الكبرى تحديداً كما ذكر طيه. ولأوصيت به كدليل استرشادي لكل حديثي التخرج أو من ليس لهم عهد بالعمل الخاص بعد. ربما تقل نسبتهم أو قلما صادفهم في دائرة المقربين منك، لكن لن تخلو مرحلة في حياتك من وجود "صداقة" زائفة مع أحدهم. إلا إن الخسارة تتضاعف إذا مس الأمر عملك، لهذا كان محور الكتاب عن المعتلين نفسيًا في ثياب العمل. ربما تتأثر ثقتك بنفسك وتعجز مع مرحلة (الهجر) المفاجئة التي أشير إليها.. لكن تلكم فائدة القراءة.
وكي لا تخلط بين من لديهم بعض سمات الاعتلال النفسي أو حتى أصحاب الأهداف المؤقتة التي تجبرهم (خطأً) على استحضار مرحلي لبعض هذه السمات وبين المعتلين نفسيًا، عليك أن تقرأ تفصيليًا وتفهم من خبيرين محنكين في علم النفس وفي فن الحياة عمومًا كيف يتصرف هؤلاء وكيف ترصدهم. مزج الكتاب بين الشكل القصصي المثير والتبسيط العلمي غير المخل والأحداث الحقيقية الموثقة، في نسيج بديع سيعجب القارئ حتمًا. ودون استطراد أكثر من هذا، أترككم مع الكتاب.
February 11, 2014
This book delves into the ramifications of working alongside, above, or under a person who is 'suffering' from psychopathy. (I put suffering in quotes because the true psychopath will not feel anything of the sort; it is the people around them who will suffer.) Interestingly, this book--written by psychologists--takes a work-oriented perspective. As in, it will tell you how to navigate a professional situation if you feel you have become embroiled in the mad machinations of a psychopath's personal plan.
Interesting stuff. There are a few 'fictionalized' accounts of actual incidents culled and embellished from real-life case files that round out the intros and endings of the various sections. There's some good advice, and interesting insight.
One common complaint of this book is that it supposedly makes people call 'psychopath' on their co-workers. That is not this book's fault. They state several times that people aren't qualified to determine the mental health of their co-workers and, more importantly, that having a few of these traits doesn't make someone a psychopath. If people don't want to listen and would rather play armchair psychologist, that's on them. I'd rather live in a world where it is okay to write books on topics like this than in one where authors didn't publish books because overzealous readers don't take the authors' advice.
Anyway, this was an interesting and quick read.
Interesting stuff. There are a few 'fictionalized' accounts of actual incidents culled and embellished from real-life case files that round out the intros and endings of the various sections. There's some good advice, and interesting insight.
One common complaint of this book is that it supposedly makes people call 'psychopath' on their co-workers. That is not this book's fault. They state several times that people aren't qualified to determine the mental health of their co-workers and, more importantly, that having a few of these traits doesn't make someone a psychopath. If people don't want to listen and would rather play armchair psychologist, that's on them. I'd rather live in a world where it is okay to write books on topics like this than in one where authors didn't publish books because overzealous readers don't take the authors' advice.
Anyway, this was an interesting and quick read.
December 15, 2019
Ni to pozycja popularnonaukowa, ni to poradnik. Same utarte frazesy, które w kółko przemielają inne książki traktujące o psychopatii . Do tego chaos i rozgardiasz panujący na kartach powieści nie ułatwiają czytania.
September 27, 2022
In the business world, it can be difficult to know who to trust. And while most people are inherently honest, there is a segment of the population that is not. Individuals with psychopathic tendencies can be dangerous in the workplace, and though they may appear normal on the surface, they are actually quite manipulative and destructive.
In their book Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work, Dr. Paul Babiak and Dr. Robert D. Hare explore the world of psychopaths in the corporate setting. Through case studies and scientific research, they offer a revealing look at how these individuals operate and what steps can be taken to protect oneself from their harmful behavior.
This updated edition is essential reading for anyone working in or with a corporate organization. It offers invaluable insight into how psychopaths think and behave and provides clear guidelines for identifying their destructive tendencies. It also provides guidance on how to stop them from wreaking havoc in the workplace.
A must-read for anyone looking to protect themselves from the dangers of psychopaths in the workplace, Snakes in Suits is an insightful and informative book that offers a unique perspective on this troubling phenomenon.
In their book Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work, Dr. Paul Babiak and Dr. Robert D. Hare explore the world of psychopaths in the corporate setting. Through case studies and scientific research, they offer a revealing look at how these individuals operate and what steps can be taken to protect oneself from their harmful behavior.
This updated edition is essential reading for anyone working in or with a corporate organization. It offers invaluable insight into how psychopaths think and behave and provides clear guidelines for identifying their destructive tendencies. It also provides guidance on how to stop them from wreaking havoc in the workplace.
A must-read for anyone looking to protect themselves from the dangers of psychopaths in the workplace, Snakes in Suits is an insightful and informative book that offers a unique perspective on this troubling phenomenon.
February 4, 2012
"I always said if i wasn't studying psychopaths in prison, i'd do so at the stock exchange." Robert Hare, quoted in Fast Company
Today's fast paced business environment is the perfect place to harbor psychopaths. 3.5% of senior executives fall into the category of psychopath. Their characteristics are very difficult to diagnose because they are or can be very charming and devious. Their characteristics are: superficial, grandiose,deceitful, lack remorse, lack empathy, do not accept responsibility, are impulsive, lack goals, and are irresponsible. They break all the rules, blame others for their failures and find a patron within the organziation to mentor and protect them on their rise.
Today's fast paced business environment is the perfect place to harbor psychopaths. 3.5% of senior executives fall into the category of psychopath. Their characteristics are very difficult to diagnose because they are or can be very charming and devious. Their characteristics are: superficial, grandiose,deceitful, lack remorse, lack empathy, do not accept responsibility, are impulsive, lack goals, and are irresponsible. They break all the rules, blame others for their failures and find a patron within the organziation to mentor and protect them on their rise.
May 29, 2016
This book captures the essence of abnormal behaviour at the ranch (office). Not all psychopaths kill & maim, at least not physically; some go to work, only to create higher levels of havoc. They damage many spirits, and may have people literally dying in their wake. The mask of good (and on many occasions, outstanding performance) short term can fool even the best of leaders. They charm you and spit you out when you are of no use to them. These are some of the learnings from this wonderful book.
November 25, 2011
This book was referenced in Jon Ronson's The Psychopath Test, so I picked it up. It offers practical advice for recognizing a psychopath, understanding how the psychopath operates, and how to protect yourself from a psychopath, and it does so primarily in the context of the workplace or corporate atmosphere.
A few years ago I attempted to read The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout, but I put it down, mainly because it was one belabored case study after another. I was more interested in how to deal with a psychopath. Snakes in Suits moves at a quick pace, first defining the psychopath and detailing how he operates. The latter part of the book delves into how to ferret out potential psychopaths before they even get hired at your company and how to deal with a psychopathic boss, coworker, or subordinate.
Much of the advice Babiak gives is sound business practice that you've heard before: Document everything, give your job your very best effort, and maintain solid relationships with your boss, superiors and coworkers. But this practical advice becomes critical when one considers the deception, manipulation, and damage a psychopathic personality can reek in the workplace. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is a manager or who contributes to the hiring process at his/her company.
A few years ago I attempted to read The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout, but I put it down, mainly because it was one belabored case study after another. I was more interested in how to deal with a psychopath. Snakes in Suits moves at a quick pace, first defining the psychopath and detailing how he operates. The latter part of the book delves into how to ferret out potential psychopaths before they even get hired at your company and how to deal with a psychopathic boss, coworker, or subordinate.
Much of the advice Babiak gives is sound business practice that you've heard before: Document everything, give your job your very best effort, and maintain solid relationships with your boss, superiors and coworkers. But this practical advice becomes critical when one considers the deception, manipulation, and damage a psychopathic personality can reek in the workplace. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is a manager or who contributes to the hiring process at his/her company.
June 27, 2015
Lidským, napínavým a pěkným způsobem popsané, s jakými typy psychopatů v managementu se můžeme setkat v denní praxi. Kniha není přehnaně odborná, zato velmi přímá a převoditelná do praxe.
November 15, 2018
This book is a nice little guide for how to spot a psychopath in a work environment, as well as some useful tips for how to damage control or if your boss happens to be a psychopath. They have these nice little vignettes in order to give a concrete example of characteristics to look for, but I think they tend to go a bit heavy handed with them. This reads as more of a handbook and would work really well in that more structured environment that work (should) provide, and I think I would recommend it to someone who is dealing with someone who is manipulative and lacks empathy. Thankfully, I am in a work environment that is very supportive and have only dealt with a psychopath in my personal life (which let me tell you, is not something I would wish on a person as it left me emotionally broken).
I may edit my review later with my psychopath story because I want to help anyone in that situation. But here are my tips (as well as some of the books.
1. Keep things objective: A lot of psychopaths are pathological liars, and you may notice discrepancies in their stories. I think we all have a few inconsistencies and things can change over time, but the person I knew would say that she loved a band and went to their concert, and then would comment on how much she disliked this band to the next one. People were rather disposable as well.
2. Don't bother with people who keep on pushing your buttons, and try to be aware of when they are being pushed. This person was the most destructive during a time where I felt particularly low, but they never stopped talking about the person that I had issues with (like how that person was so obsessed with them and was pestering her about when they'd date while claiming he was monogamous and dating another person). Unfortunately, you might be blind to it until it's too late, but don't be afraid of setting boundaries and if they ignore them, don't be afraid to cut them out.
3. Trust your intuition. While this seems counterintuitive to the first point, you sometimes realize that something is wrong before you can form words to express what that is.
4. If they constantly talk shit about everyone else and every bad thing about their life is someone else's problem, that is a warning sign. The person I dealt with constantly complained about our mutual friend to me and to other people in her life(while he considered her his best friend), and then I found out that she made up rumors about me to mutual friends (like, gross exaggerations to completely made up). If you're feeling some high-school drama vibes from a person twice the high school age, you might want to keep that person at arm's length.
5. This is for if you have some big falling out after you deal with these people, but psychopaths target people they found useful, so it's almost a bit of a compliment if they feel so threatened by you that they want to mess up your life. Also, the more people you interact with, the more likely you'll run into a bad egg and that may cause you to be a bad egg for a bit. You are not who you are at your worst, and these experiences are not reflective of who you are. It happens, and as long as you take steps to prevent these things to prevent harm, you are not this experience.
There is much more to be said about this, but I just wanted to share my tips so that if you are hurt, if you are dealing with a person that hurt you, that this may be able to help you. I think exposure is important, and know that while some people may never change, you always can.
I may edit my review later with my psychopath story because I want to help anyone in that situation. But here are my tips (as well as some of the books.
1. Keep things objective: A lot of psychopaths are pathological liars, and you may notice discrepancies in their stories. I think we all have a few inconsistencies and things can change over time, but the person I knew would say that she loved a band and went to their concert, and then would comment on how much she disliked this band to the next one. People were rather disposable as well.
2. Don't bother with people who keep on pushing your buttons, and try to be aware of when they are being pushed. This person was the most destructive during a time where I felt particularly low, but they never stopped talking about the person that I had issues with (like how that person was so obsessed with them and was pestering her about when they'd date while claiming he was monogamous and dating another person). Unfortunately, you might be blind to it until it's too late, but don't be afraid of setting boundaries and if they ignore them, don't be afraid to cut them out.
3. Trust your intuition. While this seems counterintuitive to the first point, you sometimes realize that something is wrong before you can form words to express what that is.
4. If they constantly talk shit about everyone else and every bad thing about their life is someone else's problem, that is a warning sign. The person I dealt with constantly complained about our mutual friend to me and to other people in her life(while he considered her his best friend), and then I found out that she made up rumors about me to mutual friends (like, gross exaggerations to completely made up). If you're feeling some high-school drama vibes from a person twice the high school age, you might want to keep that person at arm's length.
5. This is for if you have some big falling out after you deal with these people, but psychopaths target people they found useful, so it's almost a bit of a compliment if they feel so threatened by you that they want to mess up your life. Also, the more people you interact with, the more likely you'll run into a bad egg and that may cause you to be a bad egg for a bit. You are not who you are at your worst, and these experiences are not reflective of who you are. It happens, and as long as you take steps to prevent these things to prevent harm, you are not this experience.
There is much more to be said about this, but I just wanted to share my tips so that if you are hurt, if you are dealing with a person that hurt you, that this may be able to help you. I think exposure is important, and know that while some people may never change, you always can.
November 12, 2023
3.5 Stars
*A pop science book that was a bit heavy on anecdotal evidence and light on solutions*
I love studying psychology. I’ve read several books relating to psychopathy, but I was intrigued that this one focused on psychopaths in the workplace. It was not surprising to learn how common it is for psychopaths to thrive in the cutthroat business world. It’s certainly a situation I've had to deal with. I was curious to see a clinical approach to dealing with issue.
To start with, the anecdotal evidence in Snakes in Suits was too detailed. The scenes were described as if someone was writing it while watching a video of it. They were far too detailed down to exact dialogue. It seemed like scenes were being recreated based on case studies the authors reviewed. Obviously, details had to be filled in. How much was dramatized, I'm not sure. But it immediately made me skeptical of how much I could trust the information. This book was far less clinical than I expected. And while that might make it easier to read, it did make me doubt the veracity of the cases since, as I mentioned, they felt more anecdotal than clinical.
There was more time spent on “understanding” and very little time on “surviving.” The actual advice for handling things pretty much boiled down to “document everything and hope the psychopath won’t out-manipulate you.” Having been in the horrible situation of watching a psychopathic coworker get away with blatantly lying and manipulating people, I really wanted more detailed advice than “write down every infraction and escape as soon as you can.” And the solution did boil down to escaping rather than fixing because it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to fix a situation if a psychopath has entrenched themselves – which was pretty depressing.
In terms of identifying the so-called “snakes in suits” (AKA psychopaths in the workplace), the book remind readers that not every manipulative, narcissistic asshat in the office is truly a psychopath. People do like to throw the term around rather indiscriminately. I once worked with a male manager who repeatedly called a female manager a psychopath because she didn’t smile during his presentation. (Having sat through some of his presentations, I feel entirely justified in my assumption that the reason for the lack of smiles was that his jokes weren’t funny, not that she was a psychopath.) But it is good to keep in mind that people can be morally bankrupt and not truly be a psychopath.
I do have a little better understanding about identifying true psychopaths in the workplace, so this book accomplished half its goal; I suppose. But it did not deliver as much information as I expected. It’s likely that my disappointment is mostly due to an overoptimistic hope that Babiak and Hare would have much better tips for dealing with psychopaths.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 3 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Attention to Details: 4 Stars
Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Objectivity: 3 Stars
*A pop science book that was a bit heavy on anecdotal evidence and light on solutions*
I love studying psychology. I’ve read several books relating to psychopathy, but I was intrigued that this one focused on psychopaths in the workplace. It was not surprising to learn how common it is for psychopaths to thrive in the cutthroat business world. It’s certainly a situation I've had to deal with. I was curious to see a clinical approach to dealing with issue.
“Honesty and integrity are a ‘given’ in most organizations, rarely tested on any but the most superficial levels.”
To start with, the anecdotal evidence in Snakes in Suits was too detailed. The scenes were described as if someone was writing it while watching a video of it. They were far too detailed down to exact dialogue. It seemed like scenes were being recreated based on case studies the authors reviewed. Obviously, details had to be filled in. How much was dramatized, I'm not sure. But it immediately made me skeptical of how much I could trust the information. This book was far less clinical than I expected. And while that might make it easier to read, it did make me doubt the veracity of the cases since, as I mentioned, they felt more anecdotal than clinical.
There was more time spent on “understanding” and very little time on “surviving.” The actual advice for handling things pretty much boiled down to “document everything and hope the psychopath won’t out-manipulate you.” Having been in the horrible situation of watching a psychopathic coworker get away with blatantly lying and manipulating people, I really wanted more detailed advice than “write down every infraction and escape as soon as you can.” And the solution did boil down to escaping rather than fixing because it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to fix a situation if a psychopath has entrenched themselves – which was pretty depressing.
“Psychopaths will lie even to people who already know the truth about what they are saying. Amazingly, more often than not, victims will eventually come to doubt their own knowledge of the truth and change their own views to believe what the psychopath tells them rather than what they know to be true.”
In terms of identifying the so-called “snakes in suits” (AKA psychopaths in the workplace), the book remind readers that not every manipulative, narcissistic asshat in the office is truly a psychopath. People do like to throw the term around rather indiscriminately. I once worked with a male manager who repeatedly called a female manager a psychopath because she didn’t smile during his presentation. (Having sat through some of his presentations, I feel entirely justified in my assumption that the reason for the lack of smiles was that his jokes weren’t funny, not that she was a psychopath.) But it is good to keep in mind that people can be morally bankrupt and not truly be a psychopath.
I do have a little better understanding about identifying true psychopaths in the workplace, so this book accomplished half its goal; I suppose. But it did not deliver as much information as I expected. It’s likely that my disappointment is mostly due to an overoptimistic hope that Babiak and Hare would have much better tips for dealing with psychopaths.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 3 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Attention to Details: 4 Stars
Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Objectivity: 3 Stars
April 24, 2019
I can't give this book a good rating due to the fact that I started reading it in May 2016 and here we are, in April 2019 and I've finished it. Rarely do I finish a book in more than two weeks, let alone almost three years. Admittedly, this is more of a testament to how little of a life I have but still.
So, what was my problem with this book? It's repetitive. The points that the author brings up are quite obvious often (be nice to your coworkers! don't call people psychopaths! be careful!). I didn't feel like the repetition of these was required.
Additionally, I wished there was more quality research. Even for a popular science book, this felt a little bit too empty. I would have loved more history, more facts, more content. I feel like I am able now to know what a psychopath is but still, I think I would have liked more.
The workplace examples were excellent. They brought the point home and are what I remember the most. I don't ever want to work in the corporate world.
Anyway, I'm happy to take this book off my currently reading shelf.
What I'm Taking With Me
- I found myself thinking, "oh no, what if I am a psychopath" numerous times until I remembered that I'm constantly convinced I'm not doing a good job.
- Oh my god, fuck Dave.
- Psychopaths don't really have a treatment and honestly, it's awesome to consider there are people that naturally inclined to be rule breakers and what society can do with them.
So, what was my problem with this book? It's repetitive. The points that the author brings up are quite obvious often (be nice to your coworkers! don't call people psychopaths! be careful!). I didn't feel like the repetition of these was required.
Additionally, I wished there was more quality research. Even for a popular science book, this felt a little bit too empty. I would have loved more history, more facts, more content. I feel like I am able now to know what a psychopath is but still, I think I would have liked more.
The workplace examples were excellent. They brought the point home and are what I remember the most. I don't ever want to work in the corporate world.
Anyway, I'm happy to take this book off my currently reading shelf.
What I'm Taking With Me
- I found myself thinking, "oh no, what if I am a psychopath" numerous times until I remembered that I'm constantly convinced I'm not doing a good job.
- Oh my god, fuck Dave.
- Psychopaths don't really have a treatment and honestly, it's awesome to consider there are people that naturally inclined to be rule breakers and what society can do with them.
August 24, 2012
I had a hard time reading it, as it borders on scaremongering. It should be noted that one of the authors has a vested interest in the field and the dangers of psychopaths - he is also the creator of the controversial test for spotting psychopaths. He is utterly convinced that much of the decisions made by global businesses that place us in financial crises are the work of psychopaths.
The book relies largely on his notes and anecdotal evidence. Though studies (often his own) and some statistics are used, these do not appear nearly frequently enough to properly back the assertions made in the book. Several fictional stories are also used to illustrate the dangers of corporate psychopaths, as opposed to more proper case studies.
This book raises a few valid points, but it overreaches tremendously. If you wish to tackle it, I advise first reading Jon Ronson's The Psychopath Test, which looks at this industry and the concept of psychopaths in a much more even-handed way.
The book relies largely on his notes and anecdotal evidence. Though studies (often his own) and some statistics are used, these do not appear nearly frequently enough to properly back the assertions made in the book. Several fictional stories are also used to illustrate the dangers of corporate psychopaths, as opposed to more proper case studies.
This book raises a few valid points, but it overreaches tremendously. If you wish to tackle it, I advise first reading Jon Ronson's The Psychopath Test, which looks at this industry and the concept of psychopaths in a much more even-handed way.
March 20, 2020
An intriguing explanation of the psychology behind what are often called "toxic" leaders within business and other organizations. By diving into the scientific terminology - and distinguishing among many of the commonly used labels that we employ in such discussions - the author allows for a more thorough understanding of what you are up against when encountering these kinds of leaders and co-workers.
One of the more valuable contributions that this book makes is touching upon the existing tools that could be employed in helping to identify these individuals early. Doing so would allow them to be screened out of consideration for those promotions that they crave and that enable them to inflict so much damage on their organizations.
Overall, very interesting and useful, especially for anyone engaged in trying to prevent the manipulative and deceptive "toxic" individuals from slipping through to positions of power and influence.
One of the more valuable contributions that this book makes is touching upon the existing tools that could be employed in helping to identify these individuals early. Doing so would allow them to be screened out of consideration for those promotions that they crave and that enable them to inflict so much damage on their organizations.
Overall, very interesting and useful, especially for anyone engaged in trying to prevent the manipulative and deceptive "toxic" individuals from slipping through to positions of power and influence.
September 4, 2019
Probably worth five stars. Just downgraded because I found it too long for what I wanted to get out of it. I saw it referenced by a few scholarly articles on psychopathy so it seems to be reasonably well respected in the field.
Based on the idea that high-functioning psychopaths, those that are good at planning and foresight, do not get caught committing crimes and may even not commit them because in the business world their ambitions can more easily be fulfilled by perfectly legal means.
I think there are many more whose behaviour is not clinically psychopathic but exhibits many of the characteristics some of the time. I had hoped for more discussion of that but it's not the author's fault that they didn't cover it.
Based on the idea that high-functioning psychopaths, those that are good at planning and foresight, do not get caught committing crimes and may even not commit them because in the business world their ambitions can more easily be fulfilled by perfectly legal means.
I think there are many more whose behaviour is not clinically psychopathic but exhibits many of the characteristics some of the time. I had hoped for more discussion of that but it's not the author's fault that they didn't cover it.
September 2, 2018
Povinná súčasť knižnice každého HRistu, HR agentúr a headhunterov. Autori aj na základe vlastných výskumov odkrývajú silné a slabé stránky psychopatov (nie je to choroba, ale porucha osobnosti) a druhy korporátnych psychopatov. Ukazujú, prečo je ťažké odhaliť ich už pri pohovore (napr. nedajte na prvý dojem, overujte si vzdelanie a referencie), aké škody vedia napáchať a ako je náročné ich "vytesniť" z firmy. Posledné kapitoly sú praktické, doslova návod, ako na psychopatického uchádzača, šéfa a kolegu (pre laického čitateľa nie až tak atraktívne). Odborný text sa strieda s vymysleným príbehom o psychopatovi vo firme, autori však v medzičlánkoch citujú aj reálne referencie, nájdete tam Enron aj psychopatických vrahov. Zlaté pravidlo: držte sa od psychopatov čo najďalej.
May 4, 2015
While we all work with difficult people at some point in time, psychopaths are a special breed that require vigilance and due care in the work environment. Some of the same traits that make good leaders are also characteristics of psychopaths, as amazing as that sounds. While only trained psychiatric professionals can diagnose psychopathy, this book provides some great examples and guidance to help educate executives, leaders and team members on when real problems may exist and suggests practical approaches for dealing with them. Awareness is the first step.
February 21, 2023
Kyseessä on aihepiirin moderni klassikko. Varsin hyvä yleistajuinen teos psykopaattien toiminnasta työ- ja organisaatiomaailmassa. Kirjassa yhdistyi yksilöpsykologinen ja organisaatiopsykologinen näkökulma.
Pidin erityisesti kaunokirjallisista osioista, joissa kuvailtiin seurattiin psykopaattien toimintaa läpi kirjan. Kirjan rakenne oli hieman monimutkainen, sisältäen myös toistoa. Välissä oli tosielämän vinjettejä erillisissä tekstilaatikoissa, mutta ne olivat suorastaan turhauttavan lyhyitä ja suurpiirteisiä; niihin olisi kaivannut lisää lihaa luiden ympärille.
Pidin erityisesti kaunokirjallisista osioista, joissa kuvailtiin seurattiin psykopaattien toimintaa läpi kirjan. Kirjan rakenne oli hieman monimutkainen, sisältäen myös toistoa. Välissä oli tosielämän vinjettejä erillisissä tekstilaatikoissa, mutta ne olivat suorastaan turhauttavan lyhyitä ja suurpiirteisiä; niihin olisi kaivannut lisää lihaa luiden ympärille.
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