Sociopaths are everywhere including the office. Learn how to spot a sociopath at work based on these easy steps. Check out our detailed article on how to spot a sociopath in the workplace and other great articles on our ThinkPlanLaunch blog.

1. How to Spot a
Sociopath at Work
THOMAS ARTHUR
© 2016 THINKPLANLAUNCH INC.

2. Sociopaths Are Everywhere
Sociopaths are found everywhere including the office. They are:
•Intelligent
•Charming
•Calculating
•Manipulative
•Aggressive

3. Learn How to Spot a Sociopath
It is estimated that as much as 4% of the population is comprised of sociopaths. A lot of
their actions have significant impact on others including yourself.
We look into ways in which you can identify a sociopath. If the following slides describe
someone you know, you might be in the company of a sociopath.

4. 1. A Bad History
Look for signs of a sociopath in their relationships with others
Many short-lived relationships
Burned bridges with others
Lack of concern about how people from the past regard them
Frequent gift giving to others (even strangers)

5. 1. A Bad History
Look for signs of a sociopath in their storytelling
Stories that are too good to be true
Incredible personal background with a lack of evidence
Inconsistencies in storytelling over time
Frequent gift giving to others (even strangers)

6. 1. A Bad History
Is there a web of lies?
A lack of evidence for many claims
A propagation of lies through other unsuspecting people
Attacking others who try to expose the sociopath’s lies

7. 2. Disrespect for Law and Society
A sociopath doesn’t follow the rules
Frequent violations of law (traffic, taxes, fraud, etc…)
Lack of regard for social customs, especially, those of different cultures
A general lack of respect (being late, cutting in front of others, spreading rumors, etc…)

8. 3. Impulsive Behavior
A sociopath is very impulsive
Engages in self-destructive behavior to satisfy impulses
A lack of adequate planning
Splurges on unnecessary pleasures

9. 4. Easily Offended
A sociopath can be easily offended and they don’t hide it
Aggressiveness when challenged (often hidden when trying to get something)
Exploding with anger when truthfulness is questioned
Unable to remain calm when attacked

10. 5. Irresponsibility
In addition to not following the rules, a sociopath is usually very irresponsible
Ignores safety suggestions
Takes unnecessary financial risks and uses up resources quickly
Encourages others to take risks
Ignores duties
Unfaithful to others
Doesn’t deal with violations until forced

11. 6. A Remorseless Attitude
A weak conscience makes a sociopath remorseless
Doesn’t regret wrongs done to others
Cold, calculating actions
Unafraid to get dirty
Rationalize horrid acts
Cannot empathize with others they affect

12. Is he or she a Sociopath?
If someone you know exhibits behavior described in the previous slides, chances are
high that you are in the presence of a sociopath.
If the person only exhibits a few of the signs, then they might be afflicted with other
disorders.

13. What to do Next
If someone you know is a sociopath and that person is tormenting you, cut off
communication immediately. Only harm can be brought from a relationship with one.
If the sociopath is someone you interact with in the workplace and you don’t have direct
control over who you work with, learn how to deal with a sociopath and more by visiting
our blog.