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176 SNAKES IN SUITS
agree, there were other, less venomous ways to communicate that
didn’t involve the destruction of the egos of staff or morale of those
trying to do a good job for the company.
Jones seemed to have a solid ego, not overly inflated like some or
shrinking like others, quite healthy by most accounts, and she was
definitely working her hardest to do a good job. The secretaries wondered
how Jones would handle it.
A few more crashes, yelling and shouting, and desk pounding
were heard coming through the wall. Then silence. The secretaries
lowered their heads to their desks and computer screens as they heard
the door open. Jones emerged, standing as tall as she could, but
clearly taken aback by what had just transpired. She headed down
the hall quickly, clasping her folders to her chest.
As if on cue, the secretaries rose in unison. They each, taking
their handbags, headed down the hall toward the women’s room.
Smith’s secretary indicated to the wide-eyed part-timer to watch the
phones and handle any visitors. “It’ll be okay,” she said, realizing that
the young person didn’t really want to be left alone in the office.
At the door to the restroom, they stopped but did not go in.
Jones was far senior to them, and their relationships were strictly professional.
After a few knowing looks, the two junior secretaries returned
to their desks. Today, Smith’s secretary would stand guard
and not let anyone interfere with Jones’s privacy.
Following training programs and talks, we frequently are approached
by audience members who, having just learned about the traits and
characteristics of psychopathy, conclude that their boss, peer, or subordinate
must be a psychopath. Although it is neither appropriate
nor even possible for us to offer an opinion, we are admittedly struck
by the audacious behaviors attributed to their coworkers by these
individuals—and the similarities they exhibit to psychopathic behavior.
Over the years, additional individuals have reported similar concerns
to us after having read about psychopaths in Without