How to Deal With Psychopaths at Work

Any time you start work at a new company, it is wise to familiarize yourself with their policies and procedures. All companies have handbooks with policies and procedures for acceptable behavior. Sexual harassment has become a main issue in any manual. However, there are usually basic courtesy and respect for co-workers policies in place as well.

It is always important to read your employee handbooks and be familiar with the rules of the company. You have rights as a human, citizen, and employee and you need to know the avenues to take if you are harassed in any fashion. Always have an escape route.

If you are working with a suspected psychopath, you are in a position where you need to be vigilant and guarded. Never allow the suspected person to be alone with you or have you cornered in any way. It is recommended that you document your behavior and the behavior of the suspected person, as they tend to lie and manipulate to get out of trouble or just to get what they want.

As you realize the person you are working with is causing you major concern about your safety, be preemptive. It is difficult to reason with a sociopath or psychopath. You have to become a master of manipulation in order to deal with someone who has the disease. Be cautious not to upset them, and find a way to make your idea their idea. Find a way to make their idea sound like a good idea.

If you find yourself in a jam, befriend them, try to earn their trust, and always watch your back. Talk to them about themselves. Ask them questions and share a little about yourself. Don’t disagree or argue; just join their side…or appear to join. Once you suspect, be sure to wear conservative, neutral colored clothing to work. You don’t want to visually stimulate the psychopath with bright colors, or outshine him or her. No loud noises. Just speak calmly and confidently as though you have nothing to worry about. REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THE SITUATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

If at any time, you feel uncomfortable or threatened, you must go directly to your supervisor. If this person is truly dangerous, he or she needs to be taken care of by a mental health care professional. Many states have passed an Act that protects a mentally unstable person from themselves and keeps them from attempting to hurt from others. This law generally allows the police to arrest someone and take them involuntarily to a mental health facility to be evaluated and treated. The law in one state allows the mental health facility to hold the person 72 hours before they are forced to release the patient. That is usually enough time for a civil court judge to make a decision to order mandatory treatment for the patient.

ALWAYS trust your instincts. They are there for a reason. Be as fair and objective as possible when observing the person you suspect of being sick. IMMEDIATELY leave the premises and report behavior that makes you uncomfortable or feel threatened.

Thank you for your interest in my writing. I certainly hope the read was helpful and entertaining. I like to learn from others. So, please, say what you would like to say in the comments section; as long as you are professional.

"Be kind to one another" ~ Ellen

God Bless You ~ Margaret Sullivan