Do you have Pyschopaths in YOUR Business
The incidences of psychopathic behavior in Australia
and around the world have substantially increased
in the last 10 years.
It is reliably estimated that 10% of managers or
co-workers in Australia exhibit and engage in psychopathic
behavior of some type. Psychopathic incidences are
rising rapidly in the workplace where pressure is
common place in order to survive.
1. What is a Workplace Psychopath?
They look and dress the same way as most businessmen
they may even use the same language. Some of these
people are fairly persuasive, they can manipulate,
they're very charming, some of them even charismatic.
And a lot of people, they like them, they think they're
kind of fun to be around, but it takes a long time
before you can figure out that something is really
amiss here. (Professor Robert Hare).
Insincere, arrogant, untrustworthy, manipulative,
insensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others,
remorseless, shallow, meaning the person seems not
to have feelings, is incapable of experiencing or
understanding the feelings of others. Tends to blame
others for things that go wrong, has low frustration
tolerance and is therefore impatient with things.
Erratic, unreliable, unfocused, and is selfish, parasitic,
they take advantage of the goodwill of people they
work with as well as the company itself. (Dr. Paul
Babiak).
2. Psychopathic impacts on your business
a) Increased friction and general unrest at your
business,
b) Increased absenteeism,
c) Decreased productivity,
d) Decreased profits despite sales,
e) Excessive customer complaints,
f) Increased 'grapevine' and rumour mill traffic,
g) People regularly resigning from their positions,
h) Low levels of trust,
i) Higher employee turnover than is normal for your
industry,
j) Cash Flow issues, insolvency and in some cases
bankruptcy,
k) Stress and relationship issues (workplace and
private),
3. Psychopathic impacts on your Employees
Victims of a psychopath can suffer;
a) Insomnia,
b) Anxiety and stress,
c) Social withdrawal,
d) Nervous Breakdowns,
e) Family and social conflict,
f) Loss of self esteem and in extreme instances
suicide.
Psychopathic
behavior comes under occupational health & safety
and the employer has a legal obligation to ensure
the safety and wellbeing of all persons attending
the workplace.
4. Possible Psychopathic Indicators
1. Does your boss or workmate come across as smooth,
polished and charming?
2. Do they turn most conversations around to a discussion
about them?
3. Do they discredit or put others down in order
to build up their own image and reputation?
4. Can they lie with a straight face to their co-workers,
customers, or business associates?
5. Do they consider people they've outsmarted or
manipulated as dumb and stupid?
6. Are they opportunistic, ruthless and hating to
lose and playing to win?
7. Do they come across as cold and calculating?
8. Do they sometimes act in an unethical or dishonest
manner?
9. Have they created a power network in the organisation,
then used it for personal gain or against you the
employer?
10. Do they show no regret for making decisions
that negatively affect the company, shareholders,
or employees?
5. How to manage a suspected Psychopath
a) Investigate Carefully!
b) Speak to workers and managers that have worked
with the suspected person and get their opinions.
c) Realise that many psychopaths work on the premise
that their behaviours and conduct go unnoticed. This
is their Achilles' heel.
d) Have other trusted employees keep and eye open
on the person and pass on examples of inappropriate
behaviour to you.
e) Keep thorough documentation.
f) Ensure your workplace health and safety systems
are working and in place.
g) Ensure your employees are aware of your grievance
procedures and act swiftly if you receive a complaint.
Complaints need not be written.
h) Take professional advice - Biz Momentum can assist
you. You must ensure you comply with many regulations
and a myriad of legislation so as not to be caught
up in the litigation trap.
6. Dealing with a Psychopath
a) Act by calling a meeting with the person,
b) Say to the person 'Something is not right here
and it is affecting our business. I need to get to
the bottom of it and have some concerns about the
negative behaviours and comments that you seem to
be displaying'.
c) You must confront the person with cast iron proof,
giving examples of actions and behaviours you are
concerned with,
d) Allow the person to put their side of the story
to you and consider what they say.
e) Decide what to do on your evidence and the person's
response,
f) If you decide to terminate employment, terminate
the employment relationship after taking advice as
there are pitfalls you need to ensure you are covered
against which overlooked may provide legal/industrial
redress against your business,
g) Ensure you have all the facts well documented
and take advice before you proceed with your decision.
An ounce of prevention is preferable to a ton of
cure.
h) In some cases put the Police on notice (we have
on behalf of clients).
Biz Momentum have assisted many businesses successfully
resolve or remove employees who have caused havoc
in the workplace through psychopathic behaviour and
are able to assist your business receive positive
outcomes. We are experts in this area and have many
clients who can attest to this fact! Dealing with
difficult people requires lots of experience and
finely honed skills.
by
Philip Lye
Back to Payday Loans Articles.
|
