SNAKES IN SUITS

Babiak, P & R. Hare (2006) Snakes in suits, Harper Collins, New York

The authors weave a story of "Dave" a classical psychopath and how he works his way into a great job at a good corporation. Dave is so overwhelmingly attractive as a candidate that the interviewers hire him on the spot. He then goes on to ruin others and the corporation,.

Unlike another book on the subject, The sociopath next door (2006) by Stout, this one differentiates between psychopath, sociopath, and anti-social personalities. Here, the classic psychopath feels no remorse, is manipulative, impulsive, and very charming. The authors define sociopath and anti-social personality as roughly the same. The live by a sub cultural definition of right and wrong. They may have feelings for their victims, but quickly rationalize them away.

Psychopathy is more nature than nurture and changing an individual is very challenging if not impossible at this time. Psychopaths first assess a situation to see who is of value to them for the purpose of getting rewards for themselves. They then manipulate and once they get what they want they abandon their victim(s.) Their best strategy is to form a bond with the victim and get them to feel badly after they have been abandoned. However, the grief is felt by the victim as if it is their fault that things went wrong.

Dave was able to enter the corporation with a phony resume by the sheer power of his con. His charm opened doors to seeing the stratification system and how he could rip everyone off. At the moment, it is easier to get into a corporation by continually job hopping and manipulating the new ever changing corporation in which many personalities come and go. Dave looked for the pawns, patrons, and patsies. He could quickly make an ascension to the top as he masters his fools and claims honest mistakes. Most have diploma mills on their resumes and a few abandon johns that feel guilty will write excellent support letters.

At times, good leadership and even team playing is mistaken when it is really psychopathic behavior. He can deliver because he can get others to do his work.  The authors finish the book with a surprise outcome about Dave and a summary of strategies to filter or fire psychopaths.

After reading this excellent work, you will begin to see psychopaths everywhere. However, that would probably be off the mark evaluation.

The authors give you help if you work for one, work with one, or have encountered them in your work history. There are probably more psychopaths and related self centered narcissistic and histrionic personalities in private corporations at this time, because of the rapid changes being made in the global corporation.

This is an excellent book, one of the authors is one of the premier researchers in this area and the other is a talented academic, consultant, and writer. This is well worth your time and it is a good read. You will just have to believe me on this one..