When high performers cause high attrition

The Dark Triad In Leadership At Work

“Dirty Dozen” a psychological study in 2010; found that people scoring high on the Dark Triad test tend to exploit more at workplace leading to team dysfunction and dissatisfaction. Even though these Dark Triad people in leadership roles produced increased performance and profits yet they eventually turn the organization into a toxic place, resulting in high attrition, mental break downs.

The Dark Triad refers to three negative personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. While these traits can be distinct, they are often found in overlap and produce a self-serving & emotionally detached personality. Let’s understand each trait with an example.

1.       Narcissism: Ronit was head of sales in a multi-national company; leading a pan India team of 130 people. He was known for his charm and boldness among internal as well external customers. Beneath this charm, a narcissistic personality was carefully hidden. He always took credit for his team’s work, brutally criticized his closest team members in meetings and ruthlessly pursued profit at any cost. Soon the top people found his manipulative behavior unbearable and began to leave one after one. The management had to finally fire Ronit; but by then much damage had been done which he never realized.

2.      Machiavellianism: Shivani runs her own boutique in Delhi with a team size of sixty people. Anyone who meets Shivani for the first time would find her to be a go-getter, a street-smart personality. Some even used to describe her as clever because she used to achieve whatever she wanted by hook or crook. Be it flattery, inducing fear or guilt, her requests were never requests, they were always contaminated. Eventually people could see her ugly manipulative pattern and began to keep a safe distance. Unfazed by others Shivani continued to move ahead by hiring new people. Slowly she started feeling lonely and understood how her Machiavellian charm was the culprit.

3.      Psychopathy: Aman as a leader always believed in working hard but people found his definition of hard work to be inhuman. Knowingly he would make his team sit for late hours, wasting the team’s time by his micromanaging habits. Aman also had a bad habit of creating conflict among his team, so that everyone would be always on their toes, and no one could relax. According to Aman, an employee should not relax because relax is a four-letter word. Though his department was achieving numbers; yet the workplace became toxic due to Aman’s psychopathic behavior and mental well-being of people got brutally compromised.

Five ways to deal with dark triad people:

1.       Document all your interactions: In order to avoid unnecessary conflicts, it is better to document all your interactions while dealing with individuals with dark triad traits.

2.      Don’t confront personally: Confronting people with dark triad has never been smooth. Because eventually you will be sick and tired of trying to make them change or even realize their mistakes.

3.      Build a support network:  Usually individuals with dark triad traits tend to isolate you so that it becomes easier for them to manipulate you, corner you whenever they want. So, build a support network inside and outside your work. You will not only get emotional support but also a fresh perspective on many critical situations.

4.      Keep conversations professional: Practice a healthy detachment from people dark triad traits. Fix your focus on task only, don’t discuss anything personal until and unless it is a must. It will help you to prevent some ugly power struggles in future.

5.      Lower your expectations: Don’t expect much from individuals with dark triad traits. Rather learn to expect more from yourself, you will be less disappointed. Since these people lack empathy and genuine care for people; you must set your expectations right. 

Published earlier in the newspaper tabloid "The Desert Trail"