Summary: Understanding the Dark Triad: Managing “Dark” Personality Traits by MindTools

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Spotting team members who lack empathy and engage in toxic behaviors can be tricky. They can appear to be charismatic, charming and achievement-oriented. But individuals with “Dark Triad” traits – that is Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy – can erode team morale, make poor decisions and create unsafe work environments. While only a qualified psychologist can determine whether someone possesses a certain personality type, the Mind Tools content team has put together a guide to help managers identify difficult employees and intervene to insulate their team’s morale.

Take-Aways

• Individuals who exhibit “Dark Triad” traits can destroy teams without proper management.
• Hold team members who display toxic behaviors accountable for their actions.
• Build the capabilities you need to manage employees with difficult personalities.

Summary

Individuals who exhibit “Dark Triad” traits can destroy teams without proper management.

Neutralizing the toxicity of workers who are volatile, domineering or arrogant is often possible with careful management, allowing you to preserve team harmony. But people who possess “Dark Triad” personality traits – that is, Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy – are notoriously difficult to manage. Dark Triad characteristics exist on a spectrum, and all individuals display subtle flashes of these personalities from time to time. However, if you don’t carefully manage employees who lie on the extreme end of the spectrum, their actions can poison your team.

“Dark Triad tendencies can give someone a nefarious advantage in the workplace, in terms of career and progression.”

These behaviors can be difficult to identify. People with Dark Triad personalities might initially seem to be charming high achievers. To spot people with the following Dark Triad personality traits, look for these characteristics and behaviors:

1. Machiavellianism – In his book The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli, a 16th-century Italian diplomat and politician, justifies devious tactics involving duplicity, self-interest and dishonesty. Likewise, Machiavellian individuals may engage in unscrupulous behaviors, such as lying, and lack ethical decision-making in workplaces.
2. Psychopathy – Psychopaths lack both remorse and empathy. They engage in antisocial behavior, manipulate others and are emotionally volatile. Those with psychopathic traits may struggle to contain their anger or suppress it through passive aggression, which can look like ignoring people or sulking.
3. Narcissism – In Greek mythology, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and eventually drowned in his image. Narcissistic people are self-involved, cavalier, boastful and lack empathy. They suffer from extreme sensitivity to criticism. Narcissists are likely to take credit for others’ ideas or to dominate meetings. They may engage in coercion and deception to achieve their own selfish goals. They may also spread rumors and gossip about others.

Psychologists Peter Jonason and Gregory Webster developed a 12-question assessment to identify Dark Triad traits. For each question, subjects can rank themselves on a seven-point scale. The higher your score (maximum 84), the more you exhibit Dark Triad traits. The questions include: “I have used flattery to get my way”; “I tend to be callous”; “I tend to seek prestige or status”; and so on.

Hold team members who display toxic behaviors accountable for their actions.

Only a qualified psychologist should attempt to diagnose a person’s personality. If a team member’s behavior is crippling the team, raise the issue with your HR department.

“[Dark Triad] traits put the desires of one, ‘dark side’ individual above the needs of the organization, the people within it, and those it serves, and this can destroy good organizations, particularly if this person is in a leadership role.”

Nevertheless, employees who inflict Dark Triad behaviors onto their colleagues can erode the health of their teams. As a manager, you must watch out for, prevent and tackle any negative behaviors that disrupt your team’s harmony:

1. Anger – People with psychopathic tendencies can become angry and aggressive. While always prioritizing your and others’ personal safety, mitigate anger using active listening techniques and asking the angry individual about the source of the rage.
2. Bullying – Bullying can be overt or subtle. If you have a bully on your team, prioritize offering their victims support and holding the bully accountable.
3. Manipulation – Call out manipulators’ behavior. Give them an ultimatum, outlining that they must change. Suggest a “performance agreement” to hold them to account.
4. Narcissism – Narcissists can deflate team morale. Don’t back down from arguments with narcissists. Place them in situations where they must cooperate with colleagues, as this can build their capacity to understand and respect others.

Build the capabilities you need to manage employees with difficult personalities.

The following skills can help you cope with toxic people and mitigate their negative impact:

1. Assertiveness – Be specific when challenging Dark Triad personalities, and let them know exactly how their actions are harming team dynamics.
2. Conflict management – Maintain an emotional distance when those with Dark Triad traits have outbursts.
3. Emotional intelligence – Those with Dark Triad traits may initially appear charming and conscientious, so develop your ability to spot patterns and deepen your understanding of human behavior.

About the Author

Mind Tools is a content provider that creates resources for career development and self-improvement.