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128 SNAKES IN SUITS
business, not taking careful note of others’ revealing interactions—
assuming they even know what to look for.
Manipulating Management and Coworkers
The manipulation stage forms the great bulk of the daily organizational
existence of psychopaths. During this phase, they manipulate
others toward their own end. The goal of their game is to set up a
scam within the organization’s structure that can fulfill their need for
excitement, advancement, and power—all without concern about
harmful outcomes to others. Typically, thrill seeking and game playing
are satisfied by the fast-paced manipulation of coworkers, executives,
vendors, or customers. Winning almost always involves
financial and power rewards, such as a steady paycheck for work
rarely completed, and promotions into increasing levels of authority.
It can also include derailing the careers of coworkers up to and including
their unjust termination.
For example, Dan, a corporate con, used Chuck’s informal power
in the organization. Chuck was a very likable person with a stellar
reputation as a solid citizen in the company; he was often described
as a straight arrow and a high-potential individual contributor. His
integrity was unassailable and his work performance was above expectations;
his decisions about his work (and sometimes that of others)
were rarely challenged. Recognizing Chuck’s potential, Dan
went to great lengths to build a bond with him. Eventually, this bond
grew to the point where Chuck felt a special kinship toward Dan;
what Chuck lacked in extroversion and leadership potential, he saw
in Dan. Dan was the person he wished he could be. In fact, several
coworkers referred to Chuck as Dan’s shadow because they always
seemed to hang out together. Others referred to him as Dan’s “soul
mate.” Chuck’s association with Dan and his descriptions of him to
his coworkers lent a lot of credence to Dan’s persona as the competent,
loyal, talented employee, much like Chuck.