Fran Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/96/open_boss-quiz.html Is your boss a sychopath ? Take the test. For each question, score [:"blue"]Two (2) points for "yes," one (1) point for "somewhat" or "maybe," and zero (0) points for "no." [/] [1] Is he glib and superficially charming? Is he a likable personality and a terrific talker -- entertaining, persuasive, but maybe a bit too smooth and slick? Can he pass himself off as a supposed expert in a business meeting even though he really doesn't know much about the topic? Is he a flatterer? Seductive, but insincere? Does he tell amusing but unlikely anecdotes celebrating his own past? Can he persuade his colleagues to support a certain position this week -- and then argue with equal conviction and persuasiveness for the opposite position next week? If he's a CEO, can he appear on TV and somehow get away without answering the interviewer's direct questions or saying anything truly substantive? SCORE__ [2] Does he have a grandiose sense of self-worth? Does he brag? Is he arrogant? Superior? Domineering? Does he feel he's above the rules that apply to "little people"? Does he act as though everything revolves around him? Does he downplay his legal, financial, or personal problems, say they're just temporary, or blame them on others? SCORE__ [3] Is he a pathological liar? Has he reinvented his own past in a more positive light -- for example, claiming that he rose from a tough, poor background even though he really grew up middle class? Does he lie habitually even though he can easily be found out? When he's exposed, does he still act unconcerned because he thinks he can weasel out of it? Does he enjoy lying? Is he proud of his knack for deceit? Is it hard to tell whether he knows he's a liar or whether he deceives himself and believes his own bull? SCORE__ [4] Is he a con artist or master manipulator? Does he use his skill at lying to cheat or manipulate other people in his quest for money, power, status, and sex? Does he "use" people brilliantly? Does he engage in dishonest schemes such as cooking the books? SCORE__ [5] When he harms other people, does he feel a lack of remorse or guilt? Is he concerned about himself rather than the wreckage he inflicts on others or society at large? Does he say he feels bad but act as though he really doesn't? Even if he has been convicted of a white-collar crime, such as securities fraud, does he not accept blame for what he did, even after getting out of prison? Does he blame others for the trouble he causes? SCORE__ [6] Does he have a shallow affect? Is he cold and detached, even when someone near him dies, suffers, or falls seriously ill -- for example, does he visit the hospital or attend the funeral? Does he make brief, dramatic displays of emotion that are nothing more than putting on a theatrical mask and playacting for effect? Does he claim to be your friend but rarely or never ask about the details of your life or your emotional state? Is he one of those tough-guy executives who brag about how emotions are for whiners and losers? SCORE__ [7] Is he callous and lacking in empathy? Does he not give a xxxx [care] about the feelings or well-being of other people? Is he profoundly selfish? Does he cruelly mock others? Is he emotionally or verbally abusive toward employees, "friends," and family members? Can he fire employees without concern for how they'll get by without the job? Can he profit from embezzlement or stock fraud without concern for the harm he's doing to shareholders or pensioners who need their savings to pay for their retirements? SCORE__ [8] Does he fail to accept responsibility for his own actions? Does he always cook up some excuse? Does he blame others for what he's done? If he's under investigation or on trial for a corporate crime, like deceitful accounting or stock fraud, does he refuse to acknowledge wrongdoing even when the hard evidence is stacked against him? SCORE__ Total____ If your boss scores: 1-4 | Be frustrated 5-7 | Be cautious 8-12 | Be afraid 13-16 | Be very afraid Now that we know, what do we do? Another good source can be found http://www.psychopath-research.com/whatis_psycho_1.html It is very informative. Quote The greatest want of the world is the want of men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true & honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty..., men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.{Ed 57.3} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fran Posted September 12, 2005 Author Share Posted September 12, 2005 What is a Psychopath? "Psychopaths are social predators who charm, manipulate and ruthlessly plow their way through life, leaving a broad trail of broken hearts, shattered expectations without the slightest sense of guilt or regret. Their bewildered victims desperately ask, 'Who are these people?'" We often think of psychopaths as the disturbed criminals who capture headlines and crowd the nation's prisons. But not all psychopaths are killers. They are more likely to be men and women you know who move through life with supreme self-confidence -- but without a conscience. "What makes them the way they are? How can we protect ourselves?" -- Robert D Hare, "Without Conscience" Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of Psychopaths Among Us Robert Hare, in his 1993 book says: [:"red"]"Psychopaths are social predators who charm, manipulate, and ruthlessly plow their way through life, leaving a broad trail of broken hearts, shattered expectations, and empty wallets."[/] "Completely lacking in conscience and feelings for others, they selfishly take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without the slightest sense of guilt or regret." "He will choose you, disarm you with his words, and control you with this presence. He will delight you with his wit and his plans. He will show you a good time, but you will always get the bill. He will smile and deceive you, and he will scare you with his eyes. And when he is through with you, and he will be through with you, he will desert you and take with him your innocence and your pride. You will be left much sadder but not a lot wiser, and for a long time you will wonder what happened and what you did wrong. And if another of his kind comes knocking at your door, will you open it?" http://www.psychopath-research.com/whatis_psycho_1.html http://www.hare.org/index.html Quote The greatest want of the world is the want of men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true & honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty..., men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.{Ed 57.3} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cricket Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 [:"brown"] ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! THIS TEST IS SKEWED. IT IS MISINFORMATIVE AND ABOVE ALL: STEREOTYPICAL!! [/] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Lambert Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Is that psychopath or sychophant? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Beach Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 What is a sychopath? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Lambert Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Must be a pathological brown-nose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fran Posted September 12, 2005 Author Share Posted September 12, 2005 Chrys; Ain't that the truth! No one can figure out the complexity of the human mind in 8 little questions! It has to be skewed. I read it and had a good laugh. I did get suckered in by a salesman once and he left with all my money and I was broken hearted. All I had to show for it was a thing that you put in the truck of your car that was supposed to keep the car from going into a spin. Well, it didn't work on ice. I read some on the website and some of them were seriously addressing the issue. I picked the short one about Bosses. I didn't mean to upset you or anyone. Sorry. Quote The greatest want of the world is the want of men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true & honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty..., men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.{Ed 57.3} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cricket Posted September 13, 2005 Share Posted September 13, 2005 [:"#666666"]No harm done, Dear! I just wanted to point out that it had to be skewed because my husband's boss is a woman! (I wouldn't go so far as to say she's a psychopath though.) [/] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fran Posted September 13, 2005 Author Share Posted September 13, 2005 Chrys; You are right. It says HE all the way through! I should have seen that right off! I must be blind! Shame, shame on this Hare fellow! Ron; You are pretty close with that brown nose! Be sure to not mistake Psychopath with the other one, Sociopath! (Yes, I spelled the first one wrong. Sorry) Maybe I can get this one right! This one at least lists more than 8 areas. [:"blue"]I personally do not recommend either of these tests/descriptions because we are not professionals in this area. God's Word is how we judge people. He has shown us right from wrong. Of course these characteristics listed here are not Godly.[/] But... for the fun of it ... here is what this web site says a Sociopath is. Quote: http://home.datawest.net/esn-recovery/artcls/socio.htm Profile of a Sociopath A number of mind-manipulating cult leaders may exhibit many of the behavioral characteristics of a sociopath--an outstanding ability to charm and seduce followers. Since they appear apparently normal, they are not easily recognizable as deviant or disturbed. Although only a trained professional can make a diagnosis, it is important to be able to recognize the personality type in order to avoid further abuse. These traits also apply to a one-on-one cultic relationship. Glibness/Superficial Charm Language can be used without effort by them to confuse and convince their audience. Captivating storytellers that exude self-confidence, they can spin a web that intrigues others. Since they are persuasive, they have the capacity to destroy their critics verbally or emotionally. Manipulative and Conning They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They dominate and humiliate their victims. Grandiose Sense of Self Feels entitled to certain things as "their right." Craves adulation and attendance. Must be the center of attention with their own fantasies as the "spokesman for God," "enlightened," "leader of humankind," etc. Creates an us-versus-them mentality Pathological Lying Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and able to pass lie detector tests. Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way. Shallow Emotions When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion, it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises. Incapacity for Love While they talk about "God's love" they are unable to give or receive it. Since they do not believe in the genuineness of their followers' love, they are very harsh in testing it from their devotees and expect them to feel guilt for their failings. Expects unconditional surrender. Need for Stimulation Living on the edge, yet testing the beliefs of their followers with bizarre rules, punishments and behaviors. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Callousness/Lack of Empathy Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them. Their skills are used to exploit, abuse and exert power. Since the follower cannot believe their leader would callously hurt them, they rationalize the behavior as necessary for their (or the group's) own "good" and deny the abuse. When devotees become aware of the exploitation it feels like a "spiritual rape" to them. Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others. The followers only see them as near perfect. Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc. Irresponsibility/Unreliability Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blame their followers or others outside their group. Blame reinforces passivity and obedience and produces guilt, shame, terror and conformity in the followers. Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity Totalist leaders frequently practice promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts. This is usually kept hidden from all but the inner circle. Stringent sexual control of their followers, such as forced breakups and divorces, removal of children from parents, rules for dating, etc. Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future. Many groups claim as their goal world-domination or other utopian promises. Great contrast between the leader's opulent lifestyle and the followers' impoverishment. Support by gifts and donations from the followers who are pressured to give through fear and guilt. Highly sensitive to their own pain and health. Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility Changes their image and that of the group as needed to avoid prosecution and to increase income and to recruit a range of members. Is able to adapt or relocate as needed to preserve the group. Can resurface later with a new name, a new front group and a new twist on the scam. Well now that we know...what are we supposed to do? Get our Bibles and run if we can! Now to see if there is a meaning to that other word.... Quote The greatest want of the world is the want of men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true & honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty..., men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.{Ed 57.3} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fran Posted September 13, 2005 Author Share Posted September 13, 2005 Sychopath can be found on several sites. Heres one. http://fueledmod.com/userinfo.php?uid=1687 You will be amazed by the massive information inclu-u-uded here. Quote The greatest want of the world is the want of men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true & honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty..., men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.{Ed 57.3} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted September 13, 2005 Share Posted September 13, 2005 I keep reading sycopath as sycophant. A sycophant is, according to mr webster.... "A person who seeks favor by flattering people of wealth or influence; a parasite; a toady". Ive had bosses like that. Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fran Posted September 15, 2005 Author Share Posted September 15, 2005 If most people are honest, we might be surprised how many we know. Terrible having one for a boss! Even more terrible is when one of them "Thinks" they are your boss and they are not. Quote The greatest want of the world is the want of men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true & honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty..., men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.{Ed 57.3} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derrell M Posted September 15, 2005 Share Posted September 15, 2005 Hehehehe, that could describe a boss I once knew. LOL!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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