You suspected that your boss is a potential psychopath, and your career may be on the line. What can you do when your professional fate lies in the hand of a psychopath?
Research shows that one out of twenty five corporate leaders display psychopathic tendencies. A psychopathic boss can be charming but highly manipulative. They regard people as objects and as a means to achieve their personal goals. In other words, they do not think twice to throw you under the bus if you are considered a threat to them. So, what can you do to cope with a psychopathic boss? Here are some useful tips that you can apply.
Analyse your workplace dynamic when your boss is around. Under the leadership of a psychopathic boss, the employees will turn against each other, thus creating a hostile and toxic working environment. If this is the case, you must bond with your colleagues and create a safe space to communicate better among your team.
Accept that your boss is not going to change. A psychopath is devoid of empathy, so no matter how you perform, you cannot impress your boss. It is best if you know your limit as an employee and avoids being used by your boss.
Recognise that your workplace environment will never be positive under your boss's leadership. You are disposable to your boss, and they did not expect you to last long in your position. Therefore, while you are still useful, they will make incredible demands of you. Ultimately, you have to decide whether you want to stay or leave.
Check your mental health regularly. After you have evaluated your workplace and your boss, it is time to assess yourself. You have to ensure that you are mentally strong to keep on working with your boss. However, staying despite your circumstances also means that you may have a codependency issue to seek your boss's approval.
A psychopathic boss is not the same as other horrible bosses you have seen or heard from your friends. The dynamic between these bosses and employees can impact the employees' mental wellbeing. You must know your worth and put your foot down to preserve your sanity. In the end, there is always another job; but you have to make sure that the boss is not a psychopath.
Bond with your colleagues
Accept that you cannot change your boss
Recognise that your workplace environment will never be positive
Check your mental health regularly
